Water Use Restrictions In Effect In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — Mandatory water use restrictions are in place in Manchester as of Monday while crews work to repaint the township's water tank.

Manchester police issued a Nixle alert on Tuesday reminding residents that failure to adhere to the restrictions can result in fines.

On Thursday, they issued another warning via Nixle that opened with "ORDER TO COMPLY."

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

The water tank, located along Route 37, had to be emptied for the painting work, which is being done on the interior as well as the exterior.

The restrictions and the project were announced in August after the Township Council approved a $1.5 million bond ordinance for the work on the tank, which holds 1 million gallons of water.

The restrictions are in effect for the Eastern Service Area, which township officials say is roughly defined as the portion of the township lying along Route 37 and those portions lying to the east of Route 37 and the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station/Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst. (See a map below)

The restrictions are as follows:

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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