Through September, outdoor water use for lawn, trees and shrubs will be limited to alternate days, corresponding between odd- and even-numbered buildings. Sprinkler watering is only to take place from 12:01 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to midnight, although hand watering is permitted throughout any approved day. Water usage is prohibited on July 31 and Aug. 31.

Nurseries, garden centers and car washes are exempt from the restrictions, as are new lawns, trees and shrubs.
In August 2005 and 2006, Mountain Lakes exceeded its water allocation as prescribed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. This led to a cap of 30 million gallons per month through August 2011, which prevents any further expansion of Mountain Lakes.

To keep pace with the NJDEP regulations, Mountain Lakes has recently agreed to restore a fourth water well located near the Rockaway golf course. Concerns have been raised, however, as to the project’s cost.

In May, Councilman Richard Urankar objected to what he feared was “overengineering” of borough projects, specifically in regards to a recommendation that wiring for the well be run underground. On Monday, however, Borough Manager Joe Tempesta reported to the council that the cost of underground wiring (as opposed to running cables from above-ground towers) only marked an increase of $4,000.

 “I just think this is a long-term investment that we’re making,” said Tempesta, concurring with Borough Engineer Wiliam Ryden and Director of Public Works Mark Prusina. Other council members agreed.

 “We should go with the recommendations of our three professionals,” said Councilman Stephen Shaw. “That’s what we hired them for.”

A public hearing is set for July 28 to address the water usage restrictions.