CONTACT: Terri Guess 201 784 7076

Kevin Doell 201 767 2868

UNITED WATER URGES CONSERVATION

Jersey City, NJ, January 18, 2002 – United Water is urging customers to conserve water. Reservoir levels have dropped to 47 percent. Normally, January reservoir levels are near 70 percent. The amount of rainfall over the next several weeks is key to replenishing reservoirs impacted by the extended dry period. Rainfall over the past 12 months has averaged nine inches below normal.

“Although there are no mandatory restrictions in place yet, we need our customers to understand the seriousness of the situation,” said Joe Macula, vice president, United Water Jersey City. “Even if rainfall over the next several months finally returns to a normal pattern, we will still be facing possible water restrictions come early spring. We need heavy soaking rains right now.”

Though low winter water demands typically allow reservoirs to refill during the colder months, the unusually dry weather has kept reservoir levels low. This makes conservation especially important. “Indoor water conservation practices and proper use of appliances can actually reduce demand by as much as 30 percent,” said Macula. “People can make a difference on their water bill and on our reservoir supply even in the middle of winter if they try.”

United Water has joined the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and other water purveyors around the state to educate customers on the importance of conservation during this shortage. Conservation efforts that can be practiced in the home during the winter include:
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, and fill a glass of water for rinsing.
• Never use your toilet as a wastebasket.
• When shaving, use a partially filled sink to rinse your razor.
• Take shorter showers, or, install water saving showerheads.
• Take a shallow bath instead of a shower.
• Keep a bottle of tap water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet for cold drinking water.
• Run the washing machine and the dishwasher only with full loads.
• Check for and repair any leaks.
• Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin. Use a vegetable brush to remove dirt.

A detailed list on saving water can be obtained by visiting the conservation section of this website.

United Water Jersey City provides an average of 50 million gallons of water a day to nearly 250,000 residents in Jersey City.