Will The Drought Warning Impact Gloucester Twp's Running Water: What To Know

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A statewide drought warning was issued Wednesday as New Jersey endures historically dry weather, frequent wildfires and diminishing water supplies.

A drought warning allows state environmental officials to assume greater control of New Jersey's water suppliers and redirect water to the most-affected regions.

The public is strongly urged to conserve water.

• Read more: Drought Warning In Fire-Ravaged NJ, Murphy Urges Water Conservation

"New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions — as a result of climate change — that require us to take these precautionary measures now," said Gov. Phil Murphy. "It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide."

Here's what Gloucester Township residents should know:

Drought Warnings, Watches And Emergencies

With the warning issued, New Jersey entered the second of three possible stages in drought management:

1. Drought watch: The state focuses on public awareness, urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water. New Jersey entered a drought watch in mid-October.
2. Drought warning: New Jersey's environmental commissioner can issue orders to water suppliers. Calls for the public to conserve water become more urgent but remain voluntary.
3. Drought emergency: The governor orders restrictions on certain uses of water. Restrictions are typically phased as conditions deteriorate.

Who Are Gloucester Township's Water Suppliers?

Gloucester Township has two different purveyors.

Aqua New Jersey provides water for most of the township, while New Jersey American Water serves the northern portion of the municipality. (Here's a map to find your water supplier.)

It should be noted that the Election Day referendum, which voters rejected, pertained to allowing NJ American Water to take control of the township's wastewater system. Even if the vote passed, it would not have changed the township's water suppliers.

Will This Impact Water Service?

Neither company anticipates major disruptions at this time. But given the delicate situation, that could change.

The state issued a drought warning in an effort to avert more-serious water shortages in the future. That requires greater collaboration between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and purveyors, along with the public taking actions to use less water.

NJ American Water is working to shift between water sources so that service continues as normal. However, the company urged customers to pause outdoor watering until the spring and to limit "non-essential" water use indoors. Customers can access their MyWater account to see how much they're using.

Aqua has also been urging customers in the region to cut back on water use.

"As of right now, we do not expect any service disruptions for any of our New Jersey customers," an Aqua spokesperson told Patch. "Of course, we cannot predict how long the dry conditions will last. It's important to note, that it takes a long time to get into a drought, and a long time to get out of a drought."

Water-Conservation Tips

The state DEP urged the public to take the following steps:

• Take 5-minute showers.
• Only run a load of laundry or dishes when full.
• Turn off the water when brushing teeth.
• At this time of year, it is appropriate to let lawns go dormant for the season.
• Winterize, and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible.
• Only use a watering can to water flowers and shrubs, or allow them to go dormant for the season.
• Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, as washing your car at home typically results in more water use.
• To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes. Consider replacing your toilet with a low-flow version; this can save around 11,000 gallons per year.
• Upgrade your showerhead to low-flow versions, which can save some 7,700 gallons per year.
• Upgrade your faucets or install faucet aerators; this can save some 16,000 gallons per year.