HACKENSACK, N.J. - Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney on Friday issued an Executive Order imposing mandatory water restrictions at the request of United Water New Jersey.  Effective immediately, United Water retail customers in Bergen County may only water their lawns based on an odd-even system and only between certain hours.

"Lawn irrigation systems substantially increase water demand," said McNerney. "Just one lawn irrigation system uses about the same amount of water as five households. Outdoor water demands can result in up to 50 percent more water use. All residents must conserve water during this dry spell to ensure our water companies can function during emergencies, such as fighting fires."

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the combination of below-average precipitation, above-average temperatures and substantially elevated demands has resulted in the rapid depletion of reservoir storage in key systems located in northeast New Jersey. The NJDEP says it fully supports United Water's request for Bergen County to impose mandatory water use restrictions to help conserve water supply resources.

Under the mandatory water restrictions issued by Bergen County, residents may water their lawns based on the following criteria:

• Customers with an address ending in an odd digit (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) may water their lawns only on odd days of the month and only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.
• Customers with an address ending in an even digit (2, 4, 6, 8 and 0) may water their lawns only on even days of the month and only between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

The restrictions do not apply to the following:

• The use of water for commercial horticultural nurseries
• The use of water for newly installed sod or seed lawns
• The use of water for greens and tee boxes at golf courses

Municipal water utilities in Bergen County may impose more stringent restrictions, if needed.

"I am asking all residents and business owners in the county to fully cooperate with the restrictions. This summer has been the hottest year in recorded history. If everyone will do their part to curtail nonessential water use, this will help us to avoid the need for tougher restrictions in the future."

To reduce outside water usage, United Water suggests the following:

• Use a broom, not a hose, to clear debris from sidewalks
• Set your lawn mower one notch higher. Longer grass allows less evaporation.
• Sprinkle the lawn, not the pavement
• Make sure your hose has a shut-off nozzle
• Cover your pool to reduce evaporation
• Wash your car with soap and water from a bucket

For more information about the water restrictions, please contact United Water customer service at 800-422-5987.