United Water Reiterates Its Call For Voluntary Odd/Even Lawn Watering For Franklin Lakes Customers

Company will institute mandatory restrictions if record demands continue

Harrington Park, NJ, August 8, 2001 -- United Water New Jersey is urging Franklin Lakes customers to cooperate with the companyÕs request issued in May for customers to voluntarily practice "odd/even" lawn watering. Conservation measures are needed to reduce low water pressure problems caused by record demand. "This is due to heavy lawn watering as the result of lower than average rainfall and record high temperatures over the last several weeks," said Bob Iacullo, president. "If we find that voluntary measures continue to be ineffective, we will be forced to implement mandatory restrictions as early as next week."

Voluntary odd/even lawn watering is a simple and effective way of alleviating system pressure problems. Those with odd numbered addresses are asked to water on odd days of the month. Those with even numbered addresses are asked to water on even days of the month. By following this odd/even system, customers can still maintain a healthy, green lawn while helping to improve water pressure throughout the town.

Jim Glozzy, vice president and general manager, explained that the growing number of lawn irrigation systems has significantly increased water demand. Just one lawn irrigation system uses about the same amount of water as five households. Outdoor water demands can result in up to 40 percent more water use throughout the United Water system. Tips on saving water both indoors and outdoors are available by calling the company at 1-800-422-5987 or by visiting the company's web site at www.unitedwater.com/uwnj.