Manchester Water Usage Restrictions In Effect

MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township officials have announced the annual water use restrictions for the eastern service area of the township's Water Utility.

The use restrictions, on lawn and landscape watering took effect Friday, are in effect until further notice and apply to the part of the township lying along Route 37 and those portions east of Route 37 and the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station/Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst.

Properties with odd-numbered street addresses may water only on odd calendar dates, while those with even-numbered addresses may water on even calendar dates.

Watering is not permitted from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and no area can be watered for more than 30 minutes in a day. "Watering" is defined by the township as "the sprinkling, watering or irrigation of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers, or any vegetation."

The restrictions apply to all residential and commercial properties served by Manchester Township in the eastern service area, with the exceptions of public parks, public recreation areas and nurseries. Hanging plants are exempt. Any newly seeded or sodded lawn areas can be watered for up to 30 days after he initial seeding or sodding but you must have a small sign in the front yard indicating “new seed” or “new sod” and the date of installation.

Well users are exempt from the restrictions; they also must place a sign in the front yard saying "private well."

Violators are subject to fines.

In addition, officials urge residents to take the following water conservation steps:

• 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

"Thank you for your anticipated compliance with these water conservation measures.," the announcement said.

The restrictions were announcd due to a spike in demand that pushed usage to record levels, and officials said the restrictions are "essential to our provision of an uninterrupted supply of water, particularly in emergencies, such as fires."

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