Water Use Restrictions Set For NJ American Water Users In Ocean County

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ ? Ocean County customers of New Jersey American Water are facing water usage restrictions of odd-even watering days during the continuing heat wave.

The water company serves customers on the barrier island area of northern Ocean County, including Bay Head, Mantoloking, the barrier island parts of Brick and Toms River, and Lavallette, along with parts of Berkeley Township, Lakewood, Plumsted and Point Pleasant.

The restrictions come as a heat wave combined with a lack of rainfall are putting pressure on the company's water supplies.

"The recent extreme heat wave has prompted customers to increase their water usage significantly over the last week, and while we did previously request voluntary odd/even outdoor watering, we are continuing to see significant demands on the system that now require us to make this a mandatory order," said Carmen Tierno, senior director of operations at New Jersey American Water.

"We are putting this restriction in place to support our ability to continue to provide water and fire protection services to our customers," he said.

The odd-even restrictions are as follows:

• Outdoor water use on odd-numbered days of the month if your street address is an odd number (i.e., 23 Oak St., 7 Maple Ave.)
• Outdoor water use on even-numbered days of the month if your street address is an even number (i.e., 6 Oak St., 354 Maple Ave.)
• Water early or late in the day to minimize evaporation

Exceptions are:

• Watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required (Note: it is recommended that any planting of new sod or seed that has not already taken place be delayed until the fall)
• Use of private wells for irrigation
• Commercial uses of outdoor water, such as for nurseries, farm stands, power washing, plumbing, athletic fields, and car washes
• Watering of athletic fields