ATTENTION: Garden State Under Drought Watch Ahead of Extended Dry Period

RARITAN TWP., N.J. (Hunterdon County) — On Oct. 1, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a statewide Drought Watch strongly urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water due to a prolonged below-average precipitation that is accentuating water supplies.

Image Credit: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

The issuance of a Drought Watch by State regulators is to increase public awareness and appreciation of the stress water supply sources are facing. It also encourages the public to practice voluntary water conservation measures. If conditions do not improve, the Governor’s Office could declare a Drought Warning followed by a Drought Emergency, under which mandatory water use restrictions would become necessary.

Image Credit: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

“Over the past year, New Jersey has experienced extreme weather variability that is consistent with a changing climate,” Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. “Last fall and winter were among the driest on record, leading to a Drought Warning in November that was followed by a very wet May and even severe flash flooding in parts of the state in July. But with the return of prolonged dry conditions over the latter part of this summer and early fall, water supplies are showing signs of stress again.”

NJDEP also has resources available to help Garden State residents practice common-sense conservation measures to reduce over usage:

• The NJDEP’s Conserve Water Toolkit provides infographics, a flier, video, and social media resources that can be downloaded and used by organizations and government agencies to disseminate information about drought conditions and water conservation.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) resource to assist private well owners;
• Water Conservation Tips;
• Resource page about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies;
• A list of Drought-related FAQs; and
• For further information on water restrictions and conservation, visit nj.gov/drought/current-conditions/

For more information about the Drought Watch, visit the official press release.

About the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection:

Founded on America’s first official Earth Day, April 22, 1970, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (“NJDEP”) is a state agency responsible for managing the Garden State’s natural resources, addressing issues related to pollution, and safeguarding the state’s environment and public health. Committed to sustainable economic growth, NJDEP invests in communities and infrastructure, provides quality open and recreational spaces for residents and visitors, enforces environmental laws, and furthers the promise of environmental justice. To learn more, visit the NJDEP homepage.

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