DEP Urges Residents to Conserve Water

It is hard to imagine River Dell residents talking drought in light of last year's major flood events, but the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a report last week stating that because of a dry winter and spring, drought conditions remain in effect throughout most of New Jersey and residents should conserve water.

“Overall our major water supplies, including reservoirs and deep aquifers, remain in good shape,” DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said in a statement released last Thursday. “But after too much precipitation last year, we’ve now swung in the opposite direction, with months of below normal precipitation. Most concerning is that our stream levels and shallow groundwater supplies are severely stressed. Our goal is to begin moderating demand by asking residents to voluntarily conserve water before peak summer use begins.”

Residents are urged to use water efficiently especially when watering their lawn and garden. 

The DEP has recommended these water-saving tips: 

• Do not over-water lawns and landscaping. Watering two times per week for 20-30 minutes in early morning or early evening ensures that plants receive the most water while developing strong, healthy root systems. Make sure sprinklers and irrigation systems do not water during, or immediately after, a rain and are set to avoid wasting water on the street, driveway and sidewalk.
• Use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving.
• To save water in the home, fix leaky faucets and pipes.
• Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
• Install high-efficiency water saving toilets, faucets and shower heads.
• Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose;
• Use mulch and native plants to conserve water in the garden;
• Use a rain barrel to capture water from a downspout to use later for watering gardens and plants.
• Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation to water trees, gardens and flower beds.

This week's weather does call for rain throughout most of the week.