Mayor Fressola: Residents Should Help to Conserve Water

Manchester residents should voluntarily conserve water before summer arrives to lessen the strain on the township's water system, said Mayor Michael Fressola on the guidance of the state's environmental protection agency. 

With "below normal precipitation this winter and so far this spring," stream and shallow ground water supplies are "severely stressed," Fressola said. 

"The goal of the Department of Environmental Protection is to ask residents to voluntarily conserve water before the peak summer use begins," Fressola said. 

According to the mayor, the DEP's water team has been holding weekly meetings to assess "supplies, demand, climate data and weather forecasts."

"Recent rain and cooler weather have reduced wildfire threats, but the New Jersey Forest Fire Service cautions that risks can rise quickly after just a few days of dry and windy weather," Fressola said.

Though recent rainfall has helped to reduce deficits, Fressola said that New Jersey's streams and rivers — waterways which are "critical" for replenishing reserviors — are considered "severely dry."

Last year, Manchester's eastern service area was placed under watering restrictions from June through part of September after little rain taxed the township's water system. 

The mayor's office recommends the following water-saving tips:

• Do not over-water lawns and landscaping. Water two times per week for 20-30 minutes in early morning or early evening. This ensures that plants receive the most water while developing strong, healthy root systems. Make sure sprinklers and irrigation systems do not water during or immediately after a rain and are set to avoid wasting water.

• To water flowers and shrubs, use a hose with a hand-held nozzle.

• Soaker hoses or drip irrigation can be used to water trees, gardens and flower beds.