New Jersey issues drought warning; a water provider implements mandatory conservation

NEW JERSEY - New Jersey has declared a drought warning as the state continues to grapple with "historically low precipitation, above-average temperatures, and deteriorating water-supply conditions."

Gov. Phil Murphy, along with the state's DEP, elevated October's drought watch to a warning on Wednesday while giving an update on statewide wildfires.

"Since early October, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has responded to 537 wildfires, a more than 1,300% increase in wildfires over the same period last year. The big picture takeaway is that every single one of us needs to do whatever we can to conserve water. To that point, and this goes without saying, this is not the time to be lighting outdoor fires. We simply cannot risk it."

A mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect. Following the issuance of a drought warning. New Jersey American Water issued a mandatory water conservation notice for all customers across the Garden State. 

New Jersey American Water is urging all customers to limit nonessential water usage by pausing outdoor watering and conserving indoor use:

Outdoor conservation guidelines:

• Pause all outdoor watering. Plants require less water in the fall, so allow them to go dormant for the season, and postpone water-intensive landscaping until spring.
• Winterize your irrigation system. Turn off and drain sprinkler systems, outdoor spigots, and hoses.
• Sweep, don’t spray. Use a broom instead of a hose or pressure washer to clear leaves and debris from sidewalks or pavement.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, instead of washing your car at home.

Indoor conservation guidelines:

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes in the sink.
• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.
• Take shorter showers. Try to shower in five minutes or less.
• Be a leak detective. Find and fix leaks and breaks in hoses, sprinkler systems, pipes and toilets. For help, download New Jersey American Water’s Leak Detection Kit at newjerseyamwater.com under

Water information:

• Insulate exposed water pipes with pre-slit foam insulation to maintain warmth and avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Consider water and energy-efficient appliances. Products and services that have earned the US EPA WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance.

Editors Note: This article has been updated to clarify that the water conservation notice was issued by New Jersey American Water.