Put down that hose: High heat increases the need for water conservation
More and more South Jersey residents are getting tapped on the shoulder to watch, voluntarily or involuntarily, how much water they use.
The Vineland Water Utility this week asked customers to scale back as its facilities are stressed with high demand lately. The request could go mandatory at some point if users and rainfall do not cooperate, the city says.
Moorestown takes a different approach. Its conservation rules are in effect year-round, no matter the rainfall. The township allows watering two days a week, with some exemptions, and within certain time periods of the day.
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There are ways to reduce stress on water sources and to lower your utility bills.
New Jersey American Water recommends:
●· Reuse it. Use water from rain barrels and kiddie pools for watering lawns and gardens
.● Don't turn on the hose. Use water in a bucket to wash cars and pets, and to rinse sandy/grassy feet.
● Use a broom instead of a hose or pressure washer for clearing debris from sidewalks or pavement
.● Water plants during the coolest parts of the day (early morning or evening) to minimize evaporation. Also, know which plants don’t need daily watering.
● Your lawn doesn't need to be watered everyday. Generally, lawns only require one inch of water per week, most coming from rainfall and dew
● Use drip irrigation hoses to water your gardens and flower beds
.● Read the weather forecast to avoid watering when rains is on its way.
Tips from other sources:
Check and repair any water leaks. A dripping faucet or running toilet can waste gallons of water a day.
Shorten showers, avoid baths if possible, and turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full to maximize efficiency. When washing dishes by hand, don’t rinse under an open faucet.
Avoid washing cars and other vehicles at home. Go to a car wash where the water is recycled.
Purchase native plant varieties that require less water and remain hearty in drier weather. And don't forget two to three inches of mulch for water retention.
South Jersey is not in a drought, but agencies that keep a watch on rainfall patterns say it is “abnormally dry” right now. And little to no rainfall is expected for at least the next week.
On the bright side, 2024 through the month of May was a lot wetter than usual in South Jersey in good part because January was one of the wettest recorded since 1895. The ratings are from the National Integrated Drought Information System.
In Gloucester County, May was the 27th driest.
In Camden County, May was the 29th driest.
In Cumberland County, May turned out to be the 39th driest in a roughly 130-year period.
In Burlington County, May was the 40th driest.
Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey 36 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Abnormally wet, now abnormally dry: Welcome to June
