Montclair, Essex County Placed Under Drought Watch: N.J. DEP

Montclair, NJ - The NJ Department of Environmental Protection has issued a Drought Watch for the state’s Northeast region, including Montclair and all of Essex County, authorities say.

According to a Montclair Township news release, the Drought Watch designation is prompted by a prolonged precipitation deficit (lack of rain) and degraded drinking water supply indicators, including stream flows and shallow ground water levels.

"A continuation of this weather pattern without substantial rainfall threatens to impair the replenishment of reservoirs, stream flows, and ground water," town officials stated.

Additionally, the extremely dry, warm weather pattern continues to drive up water demands – the consumption of our water supply – at a faster than normal pace, officials said.

The Drought Watch announcement calls for voluntary efforts by the public to conserve water, especially outdoors for activities such as lawn and landscape watering and other water-dependent activities around the home.

For water-saving tips and water conservation information, contact Montclair’s office of Environmental Affairs at 973-509-5721, or email grussell@montclairnjusa.org.

More drought-related information, including responses to Frequently Asked Questions, is also available at www.NJDROUGHT.org.

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