Preserving Resources

Water use restrictions as of June 20, 2002:

**Restrictions apply to all water, whether from a private well or a public water supply**

  1. All water use must involve the minimum amount of water practicable.
  2. Car washing at homes is allowed on Saturdays and Sundays.
  3. No washing of impervious surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and patios is allowed.
  4. Lawn and garden watering is restricted as shown in the chart below:

Lawns, shrubs, trees, vegetables, flowers

Exceptions to odd/even watering

Odd/even watering only, using any method

-  Odd house numbers water on odd numbered days, even house numbers on even days.

Daily lawn watering ok using any method if:

  • New sod or seed (may water for 45 days after planting)
  • Just applied fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide (may water for 2 consecutive days starting on date chemical is applied)

May water on wrong day if:

  • Testing a newly installed sprinkler system
  • You need to water a plant immediately after planting it

 

  1. Washing of houses, windows, decks, etc. may be done by a commercial power washer, or by a homeowner with bucket, or auto shut off hose.  A homeowner may use a power washer only if washing is needed to prepare a surface for paint or stain.
  2. No outdoor water use for ornamental or aesthetic purposes, including fountains, waterfalls and reflecting pools, except to preserve wildlife or for sanitary or structural purposes.

**See Administrative Orders on www.njdrought.org for complete details. **

For tips on protecting our water resources, visit

www.state.nj.us/dep/watershedmgt/cleanwaterbook/waterbook_tble.htm

Open Space Protection

            Studies show that residential development costs the municipality more in educational and public services than it generates in tax revenue.  Overtime, even commercial ratables may not provide anticipated tax relief.  In the long term, municipal investment in open space and farmland is usually less costly than allowing development.

            Open space serves a wide range of vital functions that contribute significantly to the quality of life:

  • Recreation,
  • Water storage and flood retention,
  • Micro-climate control,
  • Wildlife habitat,
  • Air and water purification,
  • Aesthetic and scenic values,
  • Significant vegetation or tree preservation,
  • Farmland preservation.

(From: Environmental Commissioners' Handbook Fourth Edition 1997 ANJEC)

Protection of Wildlife and Endangered Species