MANCHESTER – Township Mayor Kenneth Palmer said that due to recent record level increases in water caused by lawn irrigation, steps needed to be taken to conserve water.
In a recently issued statement, the mayor said that “during summer months, customer demands for water increase dramatically due to lawn irrigation. Reducing water use during peak periods is essential to our provision of an uninterrupted supply of water, particularly in emergencies, such as fires.”
Mayor Palmer outlined several mandatory lawn and landscape watering restrictions that will become effective “in our Eastern Service Area beginning June 12, until further notice.”
The Eastern Service Area generally includes the portion of the Township lying along Route 37 and east of the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station/Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst.
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.
Properties with odd numbered street addresses may water only on odd calendar dates (such as June 29) except for the 31st of a month on which watering is prohibited.
Properties with even numbered street addresses may water only on even calendar dates (such as June 30).
Watering is not permitted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 pm. and watering of any single area shall not exceed 30 minutes in a day.
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 and any newly seeded or sodded lawn areas for up to thirty 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.”
Violators of these restrictions are subject to fines.
The mayor added that in addition, residents need to 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
“Thank you for your anticipated compliance with these water conservation measures,” Mayor Palmer said.
