NJ American Water Bans Outdoor Water Use

As water is slowing pouring through faucets in our towns again, NJ American Water has asked that all customers refrain from non-essential water use. Here's the latest release:

As New Jersey American Water continues to make progress in restoring water service for the communities in Essex and Union Counties impacted in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the company is requiring customers in West Orange, Short Hills, Millburn, Maplewood, Irvington, Springfield, and Summit to use water only for essential needs.

The company urges customers to cease any outdoors water use, including car washing and lawn watering, while they conserve water indoors as well.

A boil water advisory remains in effect for these towns: West Orange, Short Hills, Millburn, Maplewood, Irvington, Springfield, and Summit.

“We are making progress in restoring water service to our customers; however, a sudden increase in water usage may put such a demand on the system that it could further delay getting our distribution system back to full strength,” said Steve Tambini, New Jersey American Water’s vice president of operations. “Our customers have been very patient as we work to fully restore their water service, and we ask that they continue to cooperate with us and exercise all conservation measures until we are able to return to normal water use.”

For tips on using water wisely, customer can visit www.newjerseyamericanwater.com.

New Jersey American estimates that customers in Essex and Union Counties who have been without water or who have had low water pressure will see a gradual return to normal service over the next 10 days. The company estimates that its Canoe Brook Water Treatment Plant in Millburn, Essex County will continue to recover from severe flooding and a loss of power from Hurricane Irene beginning late this week, and the plant is expected to be fully operational within two weeks.

New Jersey American Water will provide information to customers as to when the advisory is lifted.

For updated information, customers can visit Jersey American Water’s website at www.newjerseyamwater.com, under the Alerts Notifications section, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newjerseyamericanwater.