Relief is in sight for parched lawns and wilting annuals across Monmouth County with the further easing of outdoor watering restrictions that have been in place since a water main break in June.

New Jersey American Water announced Thursday that sprinklers can now be used for watering but the odd-even schedule that was imposed July 8 remains in effect "for the foreseeable future," according to a release.

“Temporary repairs at our Swimming River Water Treatment Plant were completed last weekend and over the last few days, our ability to provide water to our customers in Monmouth County has been restored,” said Stephen P. Schmitt, vice president of operations for New Jersey American Water.

The odd/even watering schedule entails:

• Outdoor water use between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.  on odd-numbered days of the month if your street address is an odd number (i.e., 23 Oak St., 7 Maple Ave.)

• Outdoor water use between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.  on even-numbered days of the month if your street address is an even number (i.e., 6 Oak St., 354 Maple Ave.)

Exceptions are:

• Watering of new sod or seed if daily watering is required (note: it is recommended that any planting of new sod or seed that has not already taken place be delayed until the fall)

• Use of private wells for irrigation          

• Commercial uses of outdoor water, such as for nurseries, farm stands, power washing, plumbing, athletic fields and car washes

Outdoor water restrictions were imposed on NJAW customers when a bridge holding three pipes at the company’s Swimming River Water Treatment Plant collapsed on June 29.