Drought Watch Issued For Morris County

The department of environmental protection issued a drought watch on August 5, urging Morris county residents to conserve water due to dry conditions and concerns about reservoir water levels.

"We are asking residents to keep watch on their water use, to voluntarily reduce unessential water use due to a rapid decline in some reservoir levels," DEP commissioner Bob Martin said in a release. "Using water responsibly by voluntarily taking steps such as limiting lawn and landscaping water, and cutting back on at-home car washing, could save millions of gallons of water daily.''

According to the release, the DEP has observed "serious" drops in water levels at the Monksville, Oradell and Wanaque reservoirs.

"We have been monitoring this situation very closely and have determined that this course of action, to initiate a drought watch, is now appropriate,'' assistant DEP commissioner for cater resource management John Plonski said in a statement.

While no official draught announcing has been made yet, the DEP is urging residents to use water carefully, especially in unessential task like watering a lawn.

The DEP has released the following water conservation tips:

• Do not over-water lawns and landscaping. Two times per week for 30 minutes in morning or late evening typically is sufficient. Use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs.
• 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.
• Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose.

The status of the county's water supply can be reviewed at the DEP's drought indicators website.

-Nate Adams