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    • How can I reduce my water consumption?
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    How can I reduce my water consumption?

    Harry Posted on

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    CAMDEN — South Jersey’s largest water utility has asked customers to reduce water use due to worsening drought conditions.

    New Jersey American Water urged customers to “limit unnecessary water use by pausing all outdoor watering through spring and conserving as much indoor water as possible.”

    The utility issued a “mandatory protection notice” to its 2.9 million customers statewide on Tuesday.

    Air quality: Improvements have been made while fighting wildfires in South Jersey.

    Earlier the same day, the state Department of Environmental Conservation issued a drought warning. This marked an increase in severity resulting from drought monitoring that has been in place since mid-October.

    The drought warning allows DEP to more closely manage water systems, in part by controlling water releases from reservoirs, the agency said.

    Officials also said dry conditions contributed to a sharp increase in wildfires.

    The State Forest Fire Service has responded to 537 wildfires since early October; This is an increase of more than 1,300% compared to the same period last year.

    The DEP said restrictions currently in effect “prohibit all fires unless they are on an elevated stove that uses only propane, natural gas, or electricity.”

    The use of wood and coal fires, as well as kerosene or gas torches, is prohibited.

    In its statement, New Jersey American suggested steps to reduce outdoor water use:

    ● Instead of washing your vehicle at home, use commercial car washes that recycle water.

    ● Use a broom instead of a hose or pressure washer to clean sidewalks.

    ● Prepare irrigation systems for winter. Turn off and drain sprinklers, outdoor faucets, and hoses.

    ● Use only a watering can to water flowers and shrubs or leave them dormant throughout the season.

    To use less water indoors, he urged customers to:

    ● Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes in the sink.

    ● Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are full. If you have a water-saving program, use it.

    ● Shower in five minutes or less.

    ● Find and fix any leaks; Insulate exposed water pipes and consider water-saving appliances.

    The organization said it does not expect a major threat to the water supply. The proposed changes are intended to prevent “a more serious water shortage.”

    Jim Walsh is a senior reporter for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. [email protected].

    Harry
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