Manchester Institutes Watering Restrictions

MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township has instituted mandatory water restrictions on watering lawns and landscaping in the wake of record usage in the township over recent days.

Because of the record demand amid the heat wave putting pressure on the uninterrupted supply of water, particularly in emergencies, such as fires.

The following mandatory lawn and landscape watering restrictions are effective in our Eastern Service Area beginning July 24, 2019 until further notice. The Eastern Service Area is generally the part along Route 37 and those parts east of Route 70 and the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station/Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst.

1. Watering shall be defined as the sprinkling, watering or irrigation of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers, or any vegetation.
2. Properties with odd numbered street addresses may water only on odd calendar dates (such as July 25) except for the 31st of a month on which watering is prohibited.
3. Properties with even numbered street addresses may water only on even calendar dates (such as July 24).
4. Watering is not permitted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
5. Watering of any single area shall not exceed 30 minutes in a day.
6. These restrictions apply to all residential and commercial properties served by Manchester Township that are located in the Water Utility’s Eastern Service Area except for public parks, public recreation areas and nurseries. Hanging plants are exempt. Any newly seeded or sodded lawn areas for up to 30 days after initial seeding or sodding are also exempt provided there is a small sign visible from the street in the front yard indicating "new seed" or "new sod" and the date of installation.
7. These restrictions shall not apply to residents and commercial properties which are served by other water utility companies or which obtain their potable water from their own private well.
8. These restrictions shall not apply to customers that obtain water for lawn and landscape watering from their own private well provided they place a small sign visible from the street in their front yard indicating “Private Well”.
9. Violators of these restrictions are subject to fines.

In addition, please adhere to the following additional water conservation practices:

• Use self-closing nozzles on all hoses
• Use a broom to sweep your sidewalk or patio rather than a hose
• Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full
• Turn off faucets when not in use, such as while brushing your teeth or washing dishes
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to water trees, gardens and flower beds

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