Washington Township Municipal Utility Authority Morris NJ

Schooley's Mountain Water Restrictions - 2008

To assure the health, welfare and safety of it's customers this summer, the Washington Township MUA is imposing water restrictions in the Schooley’s Mountain water service area. Restrictions will be effective from May 15, 2008 through September 15, 2008. These restrictions may be changed at any time, depending on conditions effecting water supply.

The Schooley’s Mountain service area is that portion of the Township north of Springtown Road and includes the Fawnridge tract and areas north of it.

The following is a summary of the restrictions.

Lawn and Landscaping

  • The watering of lawns is prohibited on weekends and restricted to an odd / even days basis1 during weekdays only. Watering, when permitted, may occur only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
  • Newly laid sod or newly seeded grass may be watered during the entire week, but is restricted with the following limitations:
    • Any MUA customer desiring to water newly laid sod or seeded grass must obtain a permit (no fee) from the MUA prior to commencing watering.
    • The amount of water used shall be the minimum necessary to establish and maintain the grass;
    • The watering is permitted for the first 45 days, starting on the date of planting or sod laying;
    • The watering may occur only between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and between 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m; and
    • The watering shall not exceed 30 minutes per area watered on any one day, except that watering may be extended to one hour per area watered on the day that sod is laid.
  • Trees, shrubs, flower and vegetable gardens restricted to an odd / even basis1 throughout the entire week. Such watering is permitted only if the water is applied by any of the following methods:
    • A watering can;
    • A hand held hose that does not leak, and is equipped with a nozzle that automatically shuts off when released;
    • An alternative irrigation technology that minimizes water use and is used with a timer to ensure watering for no more than 45 minutes per area watered. Examples of acceptable alternative irrigation technologies are:
      • Low pressure water delivery systems that lie directly on or in the ground such as perforated soaker hoses,
      • emitters, or drip tube devices.

Other Outside Uses of Water

  • Washing cars at home is restricted to an odd / even days basis1 throughout the entire week. Washing shall be done with a hand held hose that does not leak, and is equipped with a nozzle that automatically shuts off when released;
  • Washing of impervious surfaces, including sidewalks, driveways and patios is restricted to an odd / even days basis1 throughout the entire week. Except that water used by a commercial enterprise for road paving and the preparation of paved areas prior to re-coating and sealing is permitted.
  • The use of water for power washing is restricted to an odd / even days basis1 except by a commercial enterprise engaged in power washing.
  • The use of water for outdoor recreational purposes such as kiddie pools (4 foot diameter or less), slides, sprinklers of the like is permitted.
  • Any MUA customer desiring to fill a new pool or a free standing above ground pool of four (4) foot diameter or more including hot tubs, spas and Jacuzzi must obtain a permit (no fee) from the MUA prior to commencing filling. Such water use is restricted to weekdays only,
  • Adding water to a partially filled pools, hot tubs, spas and Jacuzzi (topping off) is restricted to an odd / even days basis1 during weekdays only,

Penalties

The WTMUA's Rules and Regulation allow the assessment of penalties for excessive or unnecessary use of water. Penalties shall be assessed at a minimum of $100 per violation. Use of water not permitted under these restrictions is considered excessive and unnecessary. Each day a user is in violation of these Rules and Regulations shall be considered a separate violation and shall subject said user to all remedies and penalties for each separate violation.

Pursuant to Washington Township Ordinance No. 11-84, any violation of the Rules and Regulations of the Washington Township Municipal Utilities Authority shall be Prosecuted in Municipal Court. Proceeds from any penalty assessed is turned over to the Township.

1 - Odd / Even means: Houses with even house numbers may water on even numbered weekdays and houses with odd house numbers may water on odd numbered weekdays.