If you live in the Manchester Water Utility's eastern service area, and the Utility supplies your water, squelch the lawn sprinkler and stow the garden hose. The township water tower on Route 37 needs repainting, and that means a rare tightening of customary water restrictions.

(Christian Delbert, ThinkStock)
(Christian Delbert, ThinkStock)
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Outside watering of lawns, landscapes or plants is off-limits for all property, home and business owners using township water for the purpose, until further notice, according to information from the desk of Mayor Ken Palmer.

The ban began September 11 for the area east of Route 37, and east of Lakehurst Naval Air Station - Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst..

Township officials cite rust, visible on the tower, as the indication of advanced paint deterioration. Repainting requires draining the tank for repainting inside and outside. Correspondingly, it requires frugal use of water until the project is done and the tank is refilled.

The restriction doesn't pertain to home, property or business owners served by other water companies, or who have private wells. If you have a well, be sure to place a sign denoting that in front of the house.

Watering means sprinkling, watering or irrigation of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers, or any vegetation.

The exemptions to the cutback newly-seeded or -sodded lawns, for up to 30 days, and the lawns must be marked with a visible sign indicating new seed, or new sod, and the date of installation. Hanging plants, public parks, public recreation areas and plant nurseries are also exempt.

Violators risk fines. Officials did not specify the amounts for first-time or repeat violators.

Township officials also recommend using self-closing nozzles on all hoses, sweeping the walk with a broom instead of hosing it down, holding off on laundry or dishwashing until the clothes or dish washing machine is full, and not leaving faucets open while you're brushing your teeth or washing dishes in the sink. They also suggest soaker hoses or drip irrigation for trees, gardens and flower beds.

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