The State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has upgraded the state’s drought watch status to a drought warning as New Jersey continues to experience historically dry and warm conditions. Due to this development, the Board of Commissioners is urging residents to conserve water and adhere to the state’s fire restrictions.
“Unfortunately, these dry and warm conditions have not weakened and have caused wildfires across the state to drastically increase,” said Commissioner Jon Young, liaison to the Office of Sustainability. “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 has a three-stage drought advisory system where a drought watch, which was declared on Oct. 17, is the first step. Under a drought watch, conservation is encouraged but a warning enables the DEP to more closely manage water systems by directing water transfers among systems, controlling releases from reservoirs, and modifying the rate of flow in streams and rivers in order to balance ecological protection and needs of water suppliers.
Since early October, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has responded to 537 wildfires, which is a more than 1,300% increase in wildfires over the same period last year. Since the start of the year, nearly 1,300 wildfires have burned over 11,000 acres. The average number of fires per year since the year 2000 is 1,071 wildfires and 4,000 acres burned.
Due to the ongoing dry and warm conditions, mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect. These restrictions prohibit all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this level of restriction is in place.
The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use:
- At this time of year, it is appropriate to let lawns go dormant for the season.
- 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.
The most up-to-date information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies can be found at dep.nj.gov/drought/
For more water conservation tips, go to: dep.nj.gov/drought/current-conditions/