Drought Watch Issued in New Jersey: Need to Save Water?

Officials in New Jersey are urging residents to take steps to conserve water by declaring a statewide drought watch on Thursday.

State officials say the Garden State has experienced significantly below-average rainfall over the past three months. The lack of rain has contributed to reduced water flow in streams, depleted reservoirs and groundwater tables.

Overall, the state recorded below-average precipitation in four of the last five months, while temperatures remained above average for much of the same period.

Rainfall across New Jersey has been 2 to 7 inches below normal over the past 90 days, officials say.

If conditions don’t improve, the state’s three-tier drought advisory system will upgrade from a drought watch to a drought warning, according to officials. Under supervision, residents are encouraged to take water conservation measures. If a warning is issued, restrictions on water use may become mandatory. The third and final phase is a drought emergency, which includes mandatory restrictions issued by the governor.

The National Weather Service in Mount Holly says the next chance of rain in the Philadelphia area is only about 10-20% as a cold front moves in late Wednesday or early Thursday next week. If no rain falls on this front, the area will likely be dry through Halloween or into November, according to the National Weather Service.

With or without rain next week, Philadelphia, Trenton and Wilmington are all in the top 5 to 10 for longest consecutive dry days on record.

Additionally, another dry week or two would break NWS records from the late 1800s and early 1900s.

If it does rain next week, it would likely be light and in small amounts of less than 0.1 inches. Forecasters say a lot of rain would not have a significant impact on the region’s worsening drought.

“Not the kind of rain we really need, but we’ll definitely take all we can get,” said a post on X from NWS Mount Holly.

Below are 10 tips for saving water from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

1. Reduce consumption by 65% ​​and use a commercial car wash instead of washing your car at home.
2. Postpone intensive gardening tasks such as: B. reseeding your lawn until conditions improve.
3. Sweep patios, driveways and paved walkways. Never spray paved surfaces.
4. Fix leaks around your home and in your irrigation system.
5. If you are still watering your plants, lawns and gardens, they will require less water in the fall and use a rain barrel or watering can.
6. Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
7. Shower for five minutes.
8. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.
9. Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full.
10. Raise the mower blades to at least three inches to encourage deeper grass roots that hold water better.