Water Restrictions Coming During Manchester Water Tank Repainting

MANCHESTER, NJ — Rust coming through the paint on Manchester Township's water tower on Route 37 has resulted in the township needing to repaint the structure.

As a result, residents served by the Eastern Service Area of the township's water utility will be under mandatory restrictions on lawn and landscape watering while the work is completed, township officials announced.

The Township Council on Monday night approved a $1.5 million bond ordinance for the work on the tank, which holds 1 million gallons of water.

The work is scheduled to begin in September and will require the entire water tank to be drained so that the inside and outside of the tank can be painted, officials said.

"Reducing water use during this project is essential to the township maintaining an uninterrupted supply of water, particularly in emergencies such as fires," the township said in a news release.

The mandatory lawn and landscape watering restrictions begin Sept. 11 and will remain in place until further notice, officials said.

The Eastern Service Area generally includes the part of Manchester lying along Route 37 and those portions east of Route 37 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. No outside watering shall be permitted during this restriction time.

• These restrictions shall 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.
• 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.
• 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”.

6. 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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