If the mini-heatwave we experienced recently is any indication of how how it will be this summer than conserving water now, could pay dividends during the dog days of summer.

New Jersey American Water is asking Monmouth County customers to use an odd/even schedule for outdoor watering to stay ahead of the potentially dangerously hot summer temperatures that'll use up water.

Taking care of your lawn now and saving water could help avoid your grass from looking like Augusta National to some yellowish-brown color when the heat dries it out.

“We hope that our Monmouth County customers will voluntarily adopt odd/even watering as they have their lawn irrigation systems turned on,” Kevin Keane, senior director of Coastal Operations for New Jersey American Water said. “Practicing odd/even watering now will help us manage a finite supply of water, yet our customers will still be able to maintain their lawns and gardens.”

NJAM is asking customers to observe the following odd/even outdoor irrigation guidelines:

  • Water your lawn or garden only on odd days of the month if your street address is an odd number (i.e., 23 Oak St., 7 Maple Ave.)
  • Water your lawn or garden only on even 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. The best times for this are typically between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

These recommended guidelines do not apply to the following:

  • Watering of sod or newly seeded lawns if daily watering is required (Although 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 lawn irrigation
  • Commercial uses of outdoor water, such as for nurseries, farm stands, power washing, plumbing, and commercial car washes
  • Watering of athletic fields

Additional tips and information on wise water use are available on New Jersey American Water’s website at www.newjerseyamwater.com under Water Information.

More From The Jersey Shore:

More From 92.7 WOBM