Drought Watch issued for New Jersey: Residents urged to conserve water

October 18, 2024| Community, Environment

By: Holly Odgers

A statewide Drought Watch has been issued this week, urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water.

Rainfall across New Jersey has been below normal over the past 90 days, leading to reduced streamflow, reservoir levels, and groundwater supplies. The Drought Watch aims to raise public awareness about the stress on our water sources and encourages the public to adopt voluntary conservation practices. Should conditions continue to deteriorate, the state may need to declare a Drought Warning or a Drought Emergency, which could lead to mandatory water use restrictions.

How You Can Help Conserve Water

Water conservation is crucial during this prolonged dry period. Here are a few voluntary steps you can take to reduce your water usage:

1. Shorten Your Showers: Reducing shower time is an easy way to save water daily. Even cutting down by a minute or two can make a difference.
2. Run Full Loads Only: Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full before running them to maximize water efficiency.
3. Check for Leaks Indoors: Leaky faucets or running toilets can waste a lot of water. Inspect and repair any leaks to conserve water.
4. Limit Outdoor Watering: As temperatures cool, plants require less water. Adjust your automated sprinkler systems or turn them off entirely.
5. Use Commercial Car Washes: Washing your car at home consumes a significant amount of water. Hold off on washing your car or opt for commercial car washes, which are designed to use water more efficiently.

Additional Resources

For updated information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies, visit dep.nj.gov/drought

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions about droughts, visit dep.nj.gov/drought/faq

For further information on water restrictions and conservation, visit dep.nj.gov/drought/current-conditions