MANCHESTER – Manchester has put into effect mandatory watering restrictions in certain areas to limit water usage. As we inch into warmer weather, the customer demand for water grows and officials stated that these demands rose to record levels in just the last few days.
In order to maintain an uninterrupted water supply, Manchester Township is reducing water during peak periods. This way, there will be water available when an emergency, such as a fire, strikes.
Restrictions have been placed on the Eastern Service Area as of June 29, 2018 until further notice. This area consists of generally the portions of the Township lying along Route 37 and to the east of Route 37 and the Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station/Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst.
The restrictions are as follows:
- Watering is defined as the sprinkling, watering or irrigation of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers, or any vegetation.
- Odd numbered street addresses can only water on odd calendar dates and even numbered street addresses can only water on even calendar dates.
- Watering on the 31st of the month is prohibited to all.
- Watering is not permitted from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Watering of any single area shall not exceed 30 minutes a day.
These restrictions apply to all properties in the Eastern Service Area of Manchester Township, residential and commercial. The only exceptions are public parks, recreation areas, and nurseries.
Hanging plants and newly seeded or sodded lawn areas for up to thirty days after initial seeding or sodding are 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.
Properties that are served by other water utility companies or get their water from a private well need not abide by these restrictions. However, those getting water from a private well should have a small sign visible from the street in their front yard indicating “Private Well”.
Violators of these restrictions are subject to fines.
Officials ask that residents use water conservation practices as well, including:
In addition, please adhere to the following additional water conservation practices:
- Self-closing nozzles on all hoses
- Sweeping your sidewalk or patio rather than a hosing it down
- Running washing machines and dishwashers only when full
- Turning off faucets when not in use
- Using soaker hoses or drip irrigation to water trees, gardens and flower beds.
