NJ Drought Risk, Water Shortages Increase As New Heatwave Approaches

NEW JERSEY — Another heatwave could hit New Jersey next week, and the current period of hot, dry weather could significantly impact the state's water supply. Gov. Phil Murphy's administration urged residents and businesses to conserve water, while drought conditions worsened in parts of the state.

Much of New Jersey has been "abnormally dry" in recent weeks, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center, which partners with federal agencies. But the agency elevated six counties Thursday to "moderate drought" status — one level away from "extreme drought" conditions.

The National Drought Mitigation Center updates its drought maps each Thursday. The most recent New Jersey map showed at least part of the following counties in a moderate drought: the majority of Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex and Union Counties, plus parts of Hudson, Essex and Morris Counties.

"Abnormally dry" conditions typically stunt or delay crop growth, elevate fire danger, make lawns brown and gardens wilt early, and reduce surface-water levels, according to the National Drought Mitigation Center. But moderate-drought conditions historically have the following impacts, according to the agency:

• irrigation use increases
• hay and grain yields become lower than normal
• honey production declines
• wildfires and ground fires increase
• stress on trees, landscaping and fish
• voluntary water conservation is requested, and reservoir and lake levels fall below normal capacity

Heavy rain and milder weather broke up New Jersey's stretch of excessive heat for the past few days. But the Garden State may enter another once August arrives. Early AccuWeather forecasts show a week of temperature highs in the mid-90s from Wednesday through Aug. 9.

With heatwaves permeating throughout the planet in the past month, experts warn that periods of excessive heat will only become more common under climate change.

"This is the climate change that we've been promised by scientists," Michal Nachmany, founder of Climate Policy Radar, told CBS News. "This level of extreme weather is life-threatening, and we really want to make sure that people are not under any illusion, that this is serious and this is here to stay for the foreseeable future."

Climate change can create strain on infrastructure — partly because of increased demand for vital resources such as water and electricity during periods of extreme heat.

State officials asked residents and businesses Tuesday to begin conserving water. The current stretch hasn't significantly affected drinking-water supplies statewide, and reservoir levels are near longterm averages for this time of year, according to the Murphy administration. Groundwater supplies also remain near normal, with the central and southern portions of the state tending to be drier, officials said.

But persistently hot and dry conditions could adversely affect water supplies. So state officials requested that residents and businesses "take proactive steps to help moderate their use of water to help ensure ample supplies throughout the summer," according to a news release from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

"Although our reservoirs and other indicators are healthy, persistent hot and dry weather coupled with the high water demands of summer can quickly impact water supply," said Shawn M. LaTourette, the NJDEP's commissioner. "Simple steps, like reducing lawn and landscape watering, go a long way in preserving our water supplies and avoiding the necessity of significant restrictive measures."

The environmental agency suggested taking the following steps:

Visit the NJDEP's website for more info on water conservation.