TINTON FALLS – While Monmouth County officials have rescinded a state of emergency declared June 29 after a bridge and three pipes collapsed at the New Jersey American Water Co. Swimming River Water Treatment Plant, new restrictions on watering lawns and plants have been instituted.
“All of Monmouth County was under a state of emergency because New Jersey American Water Co. experienced a problem with its infrastructure,” Freeholder Director John P. Curley said. “We need to make sure that all the repairs are made correctly and without delay and the N.J. Board of Public Utilities completes its investigation and holds the responsible parties accountable.”
Temporary piping to bypass the collapsed bridge has enabled the water company to restore the water system to near normal capacity. The county’s declaration was issued to address conditions that could affect the health, safety and welfare of Monmouth County residents.
“The lifting of the declaration does not mean that the crisis is over,” Curley said. “Continued water conservation, especially during this hottest and driest part of the summer, will assure that water is available for firefighting as well as water for drinking and personal hygiene.”
New Jersey American Water modified its outdoor water ban on Sunday, July 8, for all its Monmouth County customers. Customers may now use handheld garden hoses, every other day, between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., and again from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The odd/even schedule is in effect and means that handheld garden hose outdoor water use is permitted between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on odd-numbered days of the month if your street address is an odd number. Handheld garden hose outdoor water use is permitted between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on even-numbered days of the month if your street address is an even number.
Exceptions are:
• Watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required;
• 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.
Lawn sprinkler irrigation system use by N.J. American Water Co. customers is still prohibited.
NJ American Water Co. cautions residents that they may experience discolored water. The water company recommends running the water until it is clear. Discolored water could be used for the watering of shrubs and garden plants.
“Residents and businesses pulled together during this critical time and conserved water,” Curley said. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.”
