ALBANY - Locks E-7 through E-20 of the Erie Canal will operate on a modified schedule for recreational boating to help conserve water, state officials said.

The locks will be open for eastbound traffic on the hour and westbound traffic on the half hour, according to the state Canal Corp. The measures are aimed at conserving water, reducing the total amount of water needed to continue canal operations. The measures may be suspended if rainfall amounts return to normal.

The canal's fall hours of operation - from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. - began Sunday. E-7 is in Niskayuna, Schenectady County, and E-20 is in Marcy, Oneida County.