Conserve Water, Urge State and South Orange Officials

State and South Orange officials urge residents to conserve water.  The Department of Environmental Protection explains that widespread power outages have forced many public and private water utilities to use emergency generators to treat and pump water.

DEP Commissioner Martin said, Commissioner Martin said. “Without conservation now, homes and businesses could find themselves without water in the near future if backup generation fails. We need full and immediate cooperation.”

The Village of South Orange released a Tuesday night update saying:

State-wide flooding means that water supplies will run low. The Village is asking all residents to conserve as much water as possible - use only for drinking or medical reasons and conserve as much as possible if used for any other purposes. 

The DEP advises residents to adhere to the following:

•               Do not use water for any nonessential uses, such as watering of lawns and washing of cars.

 •               Take showers instead of baths. Keep showers as short as possible.

 •               Limit flushing of toilets, dishwashing and washing clothes.

 •               Turn off the faucet when shaving and brushing teeth.

  •       For those who have electrical service, run dishwashers and laundry washing machines only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.

•                Check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks and make repairs or shut off water valves to any faucets or toilets that are leaking.

 •                Use a broom or rake to clean up storm debris, including leaves or pine needles, rather than a hose.

 •                Keep a supply of drinking water on hand sufficient to last several days.