The Alternative Press

MADISON, NJ - Water restrictions are in effect for the borough, and officials are asking residents not to use outdoor water between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., including car washing and lawn watering.

These are the borough's annual water restrictions, put into place during June, July and August. All residents and businesses are requested to observe the following voluntary restrictions:

• Indoor conservation measures.
   
• Outdoor use for lawn and shrub watering, car washing, driveway and sidewalk washing shall be restricted to alternate days, with usage allowed on even-numbered days for those residents or businesses whose dwelling, building or box number are even and on odd-numbered days for those residents or businesses whose dwelling, building or box number are odd. Such water use shall be done only from 12:01 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and from 8:00 p.m. to midnight on the allowed days.
   
• There should be no outdoor water usage on the 31st day of July or August.

Here are some indoor water conservation measures:

• Using appliances such clothing or dish washers only once a day, and only when they are full.  
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly
• When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing.
• Fill a or a pan or sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water, and then reuse that water for houseplants. 

For more information on Madison's voluntary restrictions, visit the borough's website.

Despite the heav rains that fell during much of the spring, the recent high temperatures have caused the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to issue a release urging New Jersey residents to conserve water, and offering suggestions such as:

• Do not over-water lawns and landscaping.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing and shaving.
• Use a rain barrel to capture water from a downspout
• Use mulch and native plants to conserve water in the garden.