New Jersey just endured its driest October on record. Parts of the state didn't see a single drop of rain the entire month, causing stream, reservoir and groundwater levels to plummet.
Some parts of the state received some rain and even snow this week, but the reality is that the precipitation, while helpful, is a drop in the bucket relative to the amount needed. The lack of meaningful rainfall is still a persisting problem and the threat of wildfire, while lessened, is still real. The deadly Jennings Creek wildfire continues to burn and has already consumed over 5,300 acres.
After farmers, environmentalists and other citizens voiced concern over the current drought as well as excessive public water use, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought warning last week, enabling it to more closely manage water systems statewide. Following careful consideration of its own supply levels, New Jersey American Water also issued a mandatory water conservation notice for all customers, which limits non-essential water use.
The DEP's drought warning enables closer management of water systems to preserve supply and balance ecological protection, including transferring water between water systems, controlling reservoir releases, and modifying the flow rate of streams and rivers. And if the dry weather continues for the foreseeable future, the DEP could issue its own mandatory water conservation notice statewide -- an unprecedented but necessary move.
As climate change makes extreme weather conditions more common - including drought -- water conservation directives could become the norm. Managing them will require that government, business and residents are in lockstep.
As the state's largest water provider, New Jersey American Water is coordinating with the DEP to address the current drought conditions and strongly encouraging all residents, customers or not, to help safeguard the state's water supply by using water wisely.
That starts with conserving water at home through a series of small steps that can collectively make a big difference.
Indoors, residents should only run their washing machine and dishwasher when full, take shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing their teeth or shaving, and check toilets, faucets and pipes for leaks.
Outside, individuals should pause all outdoor watering and let lawns go dormant for the winter, turn off and drain their sprinkler systems, and use commercial car washes that recycle water.
New Jersey American Water continues to do its part by monitoring water supply levels across the state. We have plans in place to shift water sources if needed, so we can continue to serve to customers without interruption. Resiliency and adaptability in adverse conditions require investment in infrastructure and planning. With the right systems in place, our communities will be able to withstand the weather challenges of today and tomorrow.
As New Jersey navigates this drought, it is important that all businesses and residents come together as a community to implement effective water conservation strategies. Every action counts, and by making conscious choices, we can all do our part to help safeguard New Jersey's precious water resources.