Murphy Administration calls for water conservation
NEW JERSEY. The recent heat wave prompted the state to issues water use guidance.
| 26 Jul 2022 | 04:14
NJ recently issued warnings against excessive water use during heat waves and droughts.
NJ Governor Phil Murphy on July 26 asked residents and businesses to conserve water as the state continues to experience a persistent period of hot and dry weather.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is responsible for monitoring and protecting the state’s water. DEP’s Division of Water Supply and Geoscience has been closely monitoring the drier than usual conditions this summer.
According to the NJDEP, “While these conditions have not significantly impacted drinking water supply indicators statewide, persistently hot and dry conditions could adversely affect water supplies. It is important that residents and businesses take proactive steps to help moderate their use of water to help ensure ample supplies throughout the summer.”
“Now is the time for New Jersey to be especially mindful of water usage and proactively moderate our consumption,” said Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “Although our reservoirs and other indicators are healthy, persistent hot and dry weather coupled with the high water demands of summer can quickly impact water supply. Simple steps, like reducing lawn and landscape watering, go a long way in preserving our water supplies and avoiding the necessity of significant restrictive measures.”
Current water demands are being met and New Jersey’s water systems are capable of handling periods of low precipitation, per the NJDEP, which also noted that reservoir levels are near long-term averages for this time of year and groundwater supplies are near normal, with the central and southern portions of the state tending to be drier. Local conditions can vary, so it is normal for individual water systems and municipalities to periodically request that their customers reduce water use.
However, the NJDEP noted that other drought monitoring sites, such as US Drought Monitor, which has a broader definition of what constitutes a drought than the NJDEP, may suggest “drought or pre-drought conditions are present before actual water supplies are technically determined to be below normal.”
“The DEP will continue to monitor water supplies very closely and advise the public, local governments, and water systems as appropriate.”
The most up-to-date information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies can be found at njdrought.org, where you can also find more water conservation tips for your community.
“Now is the time for New Jersey to be especially mindful of water usage and proactively moderate our consumption,” said Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette. “Although our reservoirs and other indicators are healthy, persistent hot and dry weather coupled with the high water demands of summer can quickly impact water supply. Simple steps, like reducing lawn and landscape watering, go a long way in preserving our water supplies and avoiding the necessity of significant restrictive measures.”
The NJDEP gave the following water reduction tips:
Water plants using water harvested in a rain barrel connected to a downspout
Use drip irrigation to water lawns rather than sprinklers to use 30- to 50-percent less water
Only water plants when needed
For pools, upgrade to a water-saving filter system, and cover them when not in use to reduce evaporation
Reduce the use of water-based toys
Raise your lawnmower blade to at least three inches to promote deeper grass root growth and water retention
Use water from air conditioners and dehumidifiers to water plants
Use native plants that need less water
Group plants together based on water needs
