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The Murphy Administration Issues Drought Watch

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The Murphy Administration has issued a statewide Drought Watch due to persistent dry and warmer-than-average conditions, urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water. Over the past three months, New Jersey has experienced significantly below-average rainfall, leading to diminished streamflow, reservoir levels, and groundwater resources. The Drought Watch aims to raise awareness of the current water supply stress and promote voluntary water conservation to avoid more severe restrictions in the future.

Call for Conservation: The administration emphasizes minimizing outdoor irrigation as plant water needs decrease with cooler temperatures, suggesting that residents adjust sprinkler systems and avoid excessive watering. They also recommend washing vehicles at commercial carwashes, which typically use water more efficiently.

History and Monitoring: The last statewide Drought Watch in New Jersey occurred in 2022, while the last Drought Emergency with mandatory restrictions was in 2002-2003. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is actively monitoring drought indicators such as precipitation, reservoir levels, and water demand to evaluate if further measures will be needed.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to access resources from the DEP’s Conserve Water Toolkit for practical water conservation tips and updates on current water conditions.

For more information, visit the DEP’s official drought webpage.