Reservoir 101

So, the Brick reservoir has been open to the public for less than a week. But before the gates even opened on May 7, the complainers were already coming out of the woodwork.

Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority (BTMUA) commissioners have said at numerous public meetings that the rules are subject to change. Right now, the reservoir is open just three days a week — on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from dawn until dusk. Many people, including some of the commissioners and other public officials, believe the reservoir should be open more often.

While the Bulletin agrees that maybe four or five days a week would be better, we also see the hardships that could fall on the site if it is abused. The reservoir’s primary function is to serve as a water source — now, and hopefully, for our children’s children’s children. As time goes by, the reservoir site may not be used by as many people as anticipated. But initially, we feel it’s best to err on the side of caution lest too many dog walkers forget to curb their pets or too much litter finds its way to the reservoir’s shores.

When we hear that some residents believed they would be able to swim and use boats or Jet Skis at the reservoir, we have to chuckle. This is not a lake that the BTMUA has created. This is a source of drinking water for some 80,000 residents — not to mention the residents of other municipalities served by the utilities authority. The last thing that any resident should want to see is another waterway polluted with the overuse of watercraft. And, with Brick’s 50 miles of waterfront property, there are surely other places where water activities can be enjoyed.

As BTMUA Executive Director Kevin Donald said last week, their No. 1 job is “to be good stewards for the reservoir.” The BTMUA never promised the public a park. They promised a nice place to walk or jog or fish.

For a complete list of the reservoir rules, visit www.brickmua.com. As time goes on, the BTMUA officials may find that some of these rules — such as no ball playing and no bicycles or roller blades — can be loosened up. And, over time, maybe the hours of operation will be extended.

But this is the first reservoir that Brick officials have ever overseen. So let’s cut them a little slack.