Dry Summer Results in Drought Watch For Monmouth County

By ANTHONY BELLANO (Patch Staff)

September 23, 2015

A lack of rainfall is beginning to have a negative impact on New Jersey, particularly in Monmouth County.

Middlesex County is one of 12 New Jersey counties that are currently under a Drought Watch, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin said on Wednesday.

Other affected counties include Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset and Union.

Residents in the affected regions in the Northeast, Central and Coastal North are advised to voluntarily conserve water. Residents in the rest of the state are advised to practice wise water use due to continued dry weather and above-average temperatures.

The Drought Watch was initiated due to a lack of rainfall that has resulted in decreased reservoir, ground water and streamflow levels in the three regions, Martin said.

The purpose of the watch is to raise public awareness, formally alert all water suppliers in the region of the situation, and to seek voluntary cooperation to preserve existing supplies in the affected regions, with water demand still high.

“We have been carefully tracking precipitation, stream flows, groundwater and reservoir levels since the spring and over the course of the very dry summer,” Martin said. “While it is not uncommon to see reduced stream flows and groundwater levels by the end of the summer season, we are beginning to observe signs of stress in our water supply indicators, and this warrants closer scrutiny and public cooperation.

“We are asking residents to be aware of the situation and use water more carefully and deliberatively, especially when it comes to lawn watering and other non-essential uses. The goal is to moderate water demand through voluntary conservation.”

Some suggested water conservation tips include:

· Do not over-water lawns and landscaping. Two times per week for 30 minutes in morning or late evening typically is sufficient. Use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs.

· Avoid watering lawns and plants during the heat of the day, as this promotes evaporation and water waste.

· Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose.

· To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes.

· Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving.

· Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full.

If conditions remain warm and dry and water demands do not decrease, DEP will consider further regulatory actions, such as the designation of a Drought Warning. Under a Drought Warning, DEP may order water purveyors to develop alternative sources of water or transfer of water between areas of New Jersey with relatively more water to those with less.

“We are asking residents across the state, and particularly in the three drought watch regions, to use water sparingly, and to voluntarily reduce nonessential water use, especially outdoors,’’ Dan Kennedy, DEP Assistant Commissioner for Water Resources Management. “We advocate for conservation of water at all times. But responsible water use at this time is especially important. We ask that residents take voluntary steps such as limiting lawn and landscaping watering, and cutting back on water-related chores at home, such as car washing. This could save millions of gallons of water daily.”

For more state water supply status information, visit: www.njdrought.org/status.html.

For more information on water conservation, visit: www.njdrought.org/ideas.html