NJDEP Issues Drought Watch for Mercer County

Mercer County is one of 12 counties currently under a drought watch issued by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Bob Martin on Monday.

The watch came as the result of continued dry weather that is having an effect on water levels in reservoirs, lakes, rivers and streams as well as shallow ground water sources.

Other areas under the watch include Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Hudson, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties.

NJDEP is uring Mercer County residents to voluntarily conserve water, and advising portions of the state not under the drought watch to practice wise water use.

The purpose of the Drought Watch is to raise public awareness, formally alert all water suppliers in the affected regions, and seek voluntary cooperation to preserve existing supplies.

The goal is to moderate demand should dry conditions persist.

“We have been carefully monitoring precipitation, reservoir storage, surface water and groundwater conditions,” Martin said. “The northern part of the state, which is very dependent on reservoirs, has experienced some of the driest conditions in the state over the past several months. Conditions in other parts of the state, though not as severe, are showing signs of stress, and residents of these areas should also conserve water.

“We advocate for conservation of water at all times, but are urging residents to be especially aware of the situation and use water more carefully, especially when it comes to lawn watering and other non-essential uses.”

Precipitation levels over the past 90 days range between 10 and 25 percent in Central Jersey, but are as high as 40 percent in North Jersey. They have been above average only in the southernmost counties of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem.

“Our hope is to avoid a water emergency and the need to impose mandatory restrictions by preserving supplies now until more rainfall provides relief and replenishes water reserves,” Martin said. “When everyone pitches in, many millions of gallons of water could be saved each day.”

If conditions remain warm and dry and water demands do not decrease, NJDEP will consider issuing a Drought Warning.

Under a Drought Warning, NJDEP may order water suppliers to develop alternative sources of water or transfers of water between areas of New Jersey with relatively more water to those with less.
NJDEP made the following recommendations:

• Avoid watering lawns and plants during the heat of the day, since much of this water will evaporate without helping the lawn.
• 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.

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.

The attached image was provided by NJDEP