Don't Flush! Barrier Island Residents Warned of Strained Sewers

Toms River officials urged Ocean County barrier islands residents and visitors not to flush toilets, take baths and showers or use washing machines or dishwashers because the wastewater could strain disabled or broken sewer systems.

Residents are allowed in the barrier island communities for brief periods to clean up and get personal items.

The discharge into the sewer system may "cause environmental damage and back up sewage in homes," according to Toms River's Website.

Sewer utilities are working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to assess the conditions of water treatment systems and what repairs are necessary to restore service, the township said.