Middlesex County Now in a Drought Watch: State DEP

Middlesex County has been named in a drought watch, which the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued Monday for much of the northern and central portion of the state.

Surprised to hear about a drought watch after Monday night's heavy rain? Despite the storms, the precipitation deficits over the past 3 months are as much as 40 percent below average in many parts of northern New Jersey, the state DEP said in a press release. It's worse in the northern part of the state, where water levels are 40 percent below average. Water deficits in central New Jersey are more moderate, ranging between 10 and 25 percent.

“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," DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said.

Meanwhile, in southern New Jersey — counties like Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem — precipitation has been above average.

The dry weather is impacting water levels in reservoirs, lakes, rivers and streams as well as shallow ground water sources. The regions specifically affected include all of Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties.

Middlesex County residents are being asked to voluntarily conserve water, especially when it comes to lawn watering and other non-essential water uses:

• Do not over-water lawns and landscaping. Two times per week for 30 minutes in the 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, 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.