Will Drought Warning Impact Morris County? What You Need To Know

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A statewide drought warning was issued this week as New Jersey faces record dry conditions, frequent wildfires, and dwindling water supplies.

A drought warning gives state officials greater control over New Jersey’s water supply, allowing them to redirect resources to the hardest-hit regions.

"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."

New Jersey American Water, the state’s largest water company, said it is urging all of its customers to immediately start conserving water.

The company, which serves about 11 communities in Morris County, is urging customers to “limit all non-essential water usage by pausing all outdoor watering until spring and conserving as much as possible indoors.”

With the warning in place, New Jersey has entered the second of three drought management stages:

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.

“We are dedicated to responsible water management and are prepared to support Governor Murphy and the NJ DEP’s action to move New Jersey to Drought Warning status,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “Our customers can trust that we are closely tracking water conditions and are prepared to take additional measures to support statewide water preservation efforts.”

New Jersey American Water is advising residents to take shorter showers, run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, and turn off the faucet while shaving, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.

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

• 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.

“These small but impactful actions are designed to help alleviate stress on water sources and infrastructure. Together, we can make a difference and support the sustainability of our water resources,” McDonough said.

Will This Impact Water Service?

State officials don't expect major disruptions for residents at this time, but given the situation’s fragility, that could change.

The drought warning was issued to prevent more severe water shortages in the future, requiring closer coordination between the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, water suppliers, and the public to reduce water usage.

New Jersey American Water said it has been closely monitoring supply levels in coordination with its operational centers. While the company does not anticipate a major threat to its water supply, it is using redundancies to shift between water sources and ensure uninterrupted service for residents.

“It is critical for everyone to work together and conserve water now,” McDonough said.