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Following this week’s heat wave, NJ has been put on a statewide drought watch by the NJ commissioner of Environmental Protection. This is the first for the state since 2016.
A drought watch is the first step in a three-stage advisory system that is used to drive public awareness of stress in water supply and encourage voluntary water conservation, according to the NJDEP.
A declaration of a drought warning will be made if conditions due not improve. The third level, a drought emergency, would include mandatory water use restrictions. A mandatory water use restriction has not occurred in NJ in 20 years, since 2002.
The NJDEP has explained that in the Summer months more than 30% of water demand in suburban neighborhoods is for outdoor use, which can be reduced. Suggestions to reduce water use include a reduction in lawn watering or car washing.
To read more about the current drought warning, visit the NJDEP here.
