New Jersey American Water [NJAW] has toned down water use restrictions in Monmouth County, although they say a state of emergency is still in effect.
Restrictions were imposed after three NJAW water mains ruptured on Friday, June 29.
“We’ve made temporary repairs to our plant,” NJAW external affairs manager Richard Barnes said today. “We were able to get production close to what it was before the main breaks a couple of weeks ago.”
Barnes did not have an estimate for when restrictions will be lifted completely.
Use of sprinklers is still prohibited, but “odd/even” rules for garden hoses are now in place.
Handheld garden hose outdoor water use is now permitted from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on odd-numbered days of the months for those with odd-numbered street addresses.
Handheld garden hose water use from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. is permitted on even days of the month for those with even-numbered street addresses.
Exceptions include watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required; use of private wells for irrigation; and commercial uses of outdoor water for businesses like nurseries, farm stands, power-washing, plumbing, athletic fields and car washes.
Planting of new sod or seed is discouraged until the fall.
Indoor conservation measures are encouraged for all Monmouth County residents and businesses. This includes refraining from using washing machines and dishwashers; limiting shower times; and flushing toilets less frequently.
Commercial business operations that rely on water are exempt from these restrictions.
For previous coverage of the water main breaks, click here, here and here.
