Water Conservation Measures Instituted In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham Borough is implementing water conservation measures and requesting that all residents and businesses observe voluntary water use restrictions during the summer months due to increased pressure on the water system.

As a result, borough officials said they will implement odd-even watering restrictions, which will be enforced by Chatham Borough Police Department officers.

All outdoor water use, including watering lawns, gardens and vegetation, will be restricted on specific days from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and then from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Due to the prolonged hot and dry weather, borough officials have stated that homeowners must only water lawns and gardens on an odd-even basis. Due to the restrictions, homeowners with odd house numbers, such as 107 Maple Street, can only water their lawns and plants on odd days of the month. Similarly, homeowners with even-numbered house numbers, such as 10 Main Street, must only water on even-numbered days.

“The recent extreme heat wave has prompted customers to increase their water usage significantly over the last week, and while we did previously request voluntary odd/even outdoor watering, we are continuing to see significant demands on the system that now require us to make this a mandatory order,” said Carmen Tierno, senior director of Operations at New Jersey American Water.

Here are some recommended indoor water conservation measures:

• Using appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers only once a day, and only when they are full.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly.
• When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water, and then reuse that water for houseplants.

A lack of rain and high temperatures due to the lasting heat wave is currently putting additional strain on the water system.