Garden State Times

The State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in New Jersey has escalated the drought watch status to a drought warning due to persistently dry and warm weather conditions. In response, the Board of Commissioners is calling on residents to conserve water and comply with state fire restrictions.

Commissioner Jon Young, who serves as the liaison to the Office of Sustainability, stated, "Unfortunately, these dry and warm conditions have not weakened and have caused wildfires across the state to drastically increase. Residents are urged to continue conserving water as we endure these intensely dry conditions. This situation is ongoing, and we will update our residents on any important developments from the state."

New Jersey employs a three-stage drought advisory system. The initial stage is a drought watch, which was declared on October 17. Under this stage, conservation is encouraged. A drought warning allows the DEP greater control over water systems by directing transfers among systems, managing reservoir releases, and adjusting stream and river flow rates to balance ecological protection with water supply needs.

Since early October, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has dealt with 537 wildfires—a more than 1,300% increase compared to last year during the same period. To date this year, nearly 1,300 wildfires have burned over 11,000 acres. Historically since 2000, an average of 1,071 wildfires burn approximately 4,000 acres annually.

Mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect due to ongoing dry conditions. These restrictions ban all fires unless contained in an elevated stove using propane, natural gas, or electricity; wood or charcoal fires are prohibited along with kerosene or gas torches.

Residents are encouraged to adopt several measures for reducing water use:

- Allow lawns to go dormant for the season.

- Winterize and shut off irrigation systems promptly.

- Use watering cans for flowers and shrubs or let them go dormant.

- Sweep sidewalks with brooms instead of using hoses.

- Opt for commercial car washes that recycle water rather than washing cars at home.

- Fix leaky faucets and pipes at home.

- Replace toilets with low-flow versions to save around 11,000 gallons per year.

- Upgrade showerheads to low-flow versions saving about 7,700 gallons per year.

- Install faucet aerators or upgrade faucets saving approximately 16,000 gallons per year.

For updated information on New Jersey’s water supplies status visit dep.nj.gov/drought/. Additional water conservation tips can be found at dep.nj.gov/drought/current-conditions/.