Formal Drought Warning Potentially Issued in Morris County

After extended dry patterns for most of the year, Morris County residents and businesses are urged to conserve water until the area gets enough rainfall to restore supplies. In the wake of this dry period, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) scheduled an Oct. 20 public hearing to discuss the idea of implementing a formal drought warning for 12 different New Jersey counties.

The hearing will take place at 10 a.m. at the Millburn Free Public Library at 200 Glen Avenue, Millburn.

Officials will consider declaring a formal drought warning in the following counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset and Union.

The DEP will gather information on the current status of water supplies from the public, water suppliers and other stakeholders at the hearing to make this decision. Steps to manage water supplies and enhance public awareness will also be outlined.

“The recent rainfall we received was not enough to reverse downward trends in our water supplies due to extended dry weather patterns over most the year,” DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said. “It is very important for residents and businesses across New Jersey to voluntarily conserve water – especially regarding non-essential water use, such as watering lawns and landscaping – until we get sufficient rainfall to replenish supplies.”

Numerous indicators are studied before a formal drought warning is issued. The DEP examines the impact the lack of precipitation has on water supplies such as reservoir levels, stream flows, and levels in shallow groundwater sources — also known as unconfined aquifers.

So far this year, the reservoir systems in the northeastern and northern coastal parts of New Jersey have had below-normal precipitation. Major reservoir systems may need management of interconnections to balance water storage if significant rainfall fails to happen by the time of the hearing.

If a drought warning is established, the DEP will work hard to prevent the warning from turning into a drought emergency declaration — which would cause mandatory water restrictions to be placed on water use by the public.

The DEP will work with suppliers to guarantee no region faces a significant shortfall of supplies if dry weather and high customer demand continue. Officials have already been consulting with major water suppliers in the area to discuss proper management of supplies.

A drought watch was issued for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties on July 25.

The DEP recommends these tips to help reduce water use:

• At this time, residents are encouraged to let their lawns go dormant. If residents decide to water their lawns, they're advised to do so sparingly — preferably twice a week, for 20 minutes at a time.
• Water flowers and shrubs should be watered with a hose that has a hand-held nozzle.
• Don't water lawns or plants during the heat of the day, because much of the water used will evaporate without helping the lawn.
• Sweep the sidewalk with a broom instead of a hose.
• Fix leaky faucets and pipes to save water at home.
• Residents can consider replacing their toilet with a low-flow version, which saves around 11,000 gallons of water per year. Low-flow shower heads can also be installed, which save up to 7,700 gallons per year. Residents can install faucet aerators to save up to 16,000 gallons per year.
• Residents should turn off the faucet while they brush their teeth and shave.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only when they're full.

Click here for more information on the status of water supply in New Jersey.

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