Water conservationists are issuing an urgent plea for statewide water conservation. At a New jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hearing on Tuesday, officials raised the drought alert level from a Watch to a Warning, citing concerns over low drinking water reserves, fire risk, and shrinking water supplies across the state.
The new drought level enables the DEP to enforce water-saving measures, as experts pointed to New Jersey’s exceptionally low reservoir levels and a concerning outlook for future rainfall. If Gov. Phil Murphy declares a Drought Emergency, mandatory water restrictions could follow, potentially impacting lawn irrigation and other nonessential water uses.
State officials reported that reservoirs across New Jersey are starkly below normal levels. In North Jersey, the Spruce Run Reservoir sits at 32% of its capacity, while the Manasquan Reservoir in the south is at less than 52%. Even the usually full Round Valley Reservoir is under increased strain due to the NJ drought.
Environmentalists warned that the situation will worsen without swift action. Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, urged a state-wide response, stating that restricting water use may be unavoidable if the drought continues. “When someone tells you (that) you can’t water your lawn, that gets people’s attention,” he said.
A pattern of warm, dry weather has drained resources faster than normal, as outdoor watering and agricultural demands extended late into the fall. October’s rainfall reached only 0.02 inches, drastically below the 4.19-inch average, marking the month as New Jersey’s driest on record.
Officials pointed to climate change as a factor behind the increase in both droughts and extreme weather events. “We can’t just depend upon rain to fix this,” said O’Malley, stressing the need for conservation efforts and contingency planning.
New Jersey American Water has responded with a mandatory conservation notice, asking residents to reduce all non-essential water use. Guidelines include suspending outdoor watering, winterizing irrigation systems, and minimizing water use indoors. “Together, we can make a difference and support the sustainability of our water resources,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water.
As the DEP prepares for further action, officials and advocates alike agree that New Jerseyans must work collectively to protect the state’s water resources through what could be a prolonged period of drought.