Countywide Water Restrictions: No Watering Lawns, Filling Pools

HOWELL, NJ – Under new water restrictions per New Jersey American Water, Monmouth and Ocean County residents may have to find more creative ways to beat the heat. Per the water authority, filling pools, washing cars and watering lawns will be prohibited until further notice.

"The recent extreme heat wave has prompted customers to increase their water usage significantly over the last few days," said Carmen Tierno, senior director of operations at NJ American Water. "We are putting this necessary restriction in place to ensure continued water service and fire protection for our customers."

The restrictions, which also include landscape irrigation and any other outdoor water use, are due in part to high water demand and an operational issue at one water processing facility, according to a release from the water authority.

Earlier this year, the water authority requested that Monmouth and Ocean County residents use an odd/even outdoor watering schedule throughout the summer.

"New Jersey American Water thanks its Monmouth and Ocean County customers for their cooperation in using odd/even watering practices since late spring and now in this mandatory outdoor watering restriction," said Tierno. "We urge all customers to continue to use water wisely indoors and out throughout the summer to continue to ensure a plentiful supply for everyone."

NJ American Water stated that it will notify its customers when the ban is lifted.

While temperatures are expected to creep up to 91 degrees Fahrenheit in Howell today, there are currently no cooling centers open in the township on the NJ 211 website. Nearby cooling centers are listed below:

• Lakewood Community Center, 20 E 4th St. (Lakewood)
• Roselle Park Casano Community Center, 314 Chestnut St. (Roselle Park)

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