MANCHESTER – Mayor Kenneth Palmer recently reminded eastern service area customers of the township about the mandatory lawn and landscape water restrictions in place.
Palmer said during the summer, customer demands for water increase dramatically due to lawn irrigation. “Over the last few days, customer demands rose to record levels. Reducing water use during peak periods is essential to our provision of an uninterrupted supply of water, particularly in emergencies, such as fires.”
The mayor added, the following mandatory lawn and landscape watering restrictions are effective in our Eastern Service Area which will begin on May 25 and will remain 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 is 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 am and 5 pm. Watering of any single area should not go beyond a half hour a day.
These restrictions apply to all residential and commercial properties served by theTownship that are located in the Water Utility’s Eastern Service Area except for public parks, public recreation areas and nurseries.
Hanging plants are exempt. 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.
Restrictions do 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. They also do 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.”
Those found in violation of these restrictions are subject to fines.
In addition, customers should 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
