Montclair Asks Residents, Businesses To Conserve Water

Here are some steps you can take, the Montclair Water Bureau said.

By Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff

Aug 14, 2026 4:13 PM EDT | Updated Aug 14, 2026 4:14 PM EDT

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair Water Bureau is asking local residents to voluntarily conserve water through the end of August. The situation is not an emergency, and there are no mandatory water-use restrictions in place, the township announced Friday.

Here's what is happening, the water bureau explained:

"At the request of the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (NJDWSC), the Montclair Water Bureau is sharing a request for residents and businesses to voluntarily limit non-essential water use, particularly outdoor water use, through Aug. 31, 2026.

"This is not an emergency, and there are no mandatory water-use restrictions in place. The NJDWSC is asking customers in the communities it serves to voluntarily conserve water where possible.

"The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has granted the NJDWSC provisional authorization to operate the Wanaque South Pump Station from July 23 through Aug. 31. As a condition of that authorization, the NJDWSC is conducting a public water conservation campaign and has asked its municipal partners and water systems, including Montclair, to share this conservation request with their customers."

HOW TO CONSERVE WATER

Residents and businesses who are trying to conserve water can take the following steps to reduce unnecessary use, the water bureau said:

Outdoor:

Limiting lawn and landscape watering and watering only when necessary
Avoiding watering during or immediately after rainfall
Using rain barrels or other captured rainwater for gardens and landscaping when possible
Converting irrigation to drip irrigation and micro-spays, which use 30-50% less water than standard sprinklers

Indoor

Turning off faucets while brushing your teeth and when water is not actively being used
Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads
Install high-efficiency a washing machine and dishwasher
Install low-flow shower heads faucets and toilets

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