Residents asked to limit water use

VERNON-Don Teolis, Vernon Township Manager, Gene Osias, Health Director, and the Vernon Township Council are requesting that all residents, business people and visitors of Vernon take all water conservation measures possible. According to the National Weather Service, rainfall in Sussex County during the past 30 days has been 45 percent of normal, officials said. During that time, the rain deficit has been 2.3 inches; since April 22, the deficit is seven inches, they said. The dry weather has reduced streamflow and put Vernon under drought conditions. Wells may soon reflect the drought, officials said. "Therefore we are requesting that all unnecessary use of water be stopped," officials said in a statement to the media. "This includes watering of lawns, washing cars, hosing driveways, etc. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. With your help, we will get through this dry spell until the rains return."