Published in the Ocean County Observer
By KRISTEN PASCULLI
Staff Writer
TOMS RIVER -- United Water-Toms River is waiting for the specifics about restrictions that will ease the harmful effects of New Jersey's drought.
The executive order Gov. James E. McGreevey signed Monday officially declared a water emergency in the state, and authorized Bradley M. Campbell, environmental commissioner, to develop mandatory water-restriction and conservation measures. Kevin Doell, spokesman for United Water-Toms River, said yesterday that the company is waiting to see what restrictions will arise from Campbell's recommendations.
Once they are unveiled, he said, the company will take "every step" to help communicate them to the public, and utilize its web site and advertisements to do so.
"We'll be working hard to push the conservation message," Doell added.
Dennis Hart, director of the state's water-supply program, said yesterday the restrictions will be mandated by two separate zones in the county that will be among six throughout the state. Each zone will have separate restrictions, and one line will be drawn through Ocean County.
He said Campbell is expected to sign an administrative order sometime next week creating the zones, and issuing the restrictions. He said they will be geared toward everyone -- both industries, companies and individuals.
United Water-Toms River provides water to 95,000 people throughout Dover on the mainland, South Toms River and the Holiday City and Silver Ridge Park sections of Berkeley Township.
Dover Township already has advised residents to conserve wherever and whenever possible. The township recommends checking leaky faucets, and not rinsing down paved surfaces outdoors.
"As spring approaches, water conservation should be an important factor in landscaping activities," a Dover Township statement issued last week read.
"Water is a shared blessing and a shared resource, but it is also a shared responsibility," McGreevey said. "New Jersey has suffered from unusually dry weather conditions since 1998. During the past 12 months, precipitation has been among the lowest on record."
Although the National Weather Service says the Jersey Shore might see some rain Saturday, the rest of the week will be cloudy but mild, with temperatures in the upper 50s.
"The continued lack of precipitation has left our reservoirs and surface waters at record low levels," added Campbell. "Our winter has been milder than usual, and with little rain or snow to replenish our water, we are counting on the entire state to help reduce water consumption."
Campbell said reservoirs throughout the state are below normal, with Northeast reservoirs the lowest, at 45 percent below normal levels. Stream flow levels also are declining, and many are at record lows. The department issued a drought warning on Jan. 24, but voluntary efforts to curtail water use have not succeeded in maintaining adequate water levels. New Jersey last declared water supply emergencies in 1999 and 1995.
Published on March 6, 2002
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