As the Garden State continues to battle a record-breaking dry spell, above-average temperatures and deteriorating water-supply conditions, leaders declared a drought warning Nov. 13.

Gov. Phil Murphy and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette announced the action. It follows a drought watch issued in October. Since that time, dry conditions have continued to accelerate – resulting in a spate of wildfires, including the Jennings Creek wildfire – still burning along the New Jersey/New York border.

In fact, since early October, the state forest fire service has responded to 537 wildfires. The figure represents a more than 1,300% increase year over year.

Because of the extremely dry conditions, mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect. The TK prohibits all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas or electricity.

The drought warning order enables the NJDEP to more closely manage water systems by directing water transfer among systems, controlling releases from reservoirs, and modifying the rate of flow in streams and rivers to balance ecological protection as well as needs of water suppliers.

Planning ahead

The goal is to preserve and balance available water supplies to avert more serious water shortages in the future.

⚠️ New Jersey is currently in a drought warning.

Since June, NJ has seen 6-11 inches LESS rain than normal. Help us conserve water with these tips 👇

💧Take five-minute showers
💧Only run a load of laundry or dishes when full
💧Turn off the water when brushing teeth
💧Install… pic.twitter.com/ISfMRdYRUp

— New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (@NewJerseyDEP) November 13, 2024

A hearing was held earlier this week to assess the situation before the order was issued. The drought warning is state’s first since October 2016, which lasted in some parts of the state until August 2017.

Murphy said the state is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions – as a result of climate change – that requires the administration to take these precautionary measures now.

“It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide,” said Murphy.

“Climate change is driving our record low precipitation and above-average temperature recorded statewide in September and October,” said LaTourette. “This combination of events has resulted in decreased streamflow and groundwater levels, which harms our available water supplies. Taking these measures now and encouraging reduced water use will help provide some measure of protection from the weather uncertainty we face entering winter.”

What residents can do

Following the state’s drought warning, New Jersey American Water issued a mandatory conservation notice for all customers – requesting the limitation of all nonessential water usage through a series of conversation guidelines, which echo those issued by the state, including:

Officials are encouraging the public to consider a number of steps to conserve water such as:

• Pausing all outdoor watering and postponing water-intensive landscaping until spring
• Winterizing and shutting off irrigation systems as soon as possible
• Sweeping sidewalks or pavement instead of using a hose or power washer
• Using a commercial car wash that recycles water instead of washing cars at home
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing dishes
• Running dishwashers and clothes washers only when full
• Taking shorter showers; and more

“We are dedicated to responsible water management and are prepared to support Gov. Murphy and the NJ DEP’s action to move New Jersey to Drought Warning status,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “Our customers can trust that we are closely tracking water conditions and are prepared to take additional measures to support statewide water preservation efforts. However, it is critical for everyone to work together and conserve water now.”

McDonough stressed that those “small, but impactful actions” are designed to help alleviate stress on water sources and infrastructure.

“Together, we can make a difference and support the sustainability of our water resources,” he added.