In response to persistent dry conditions and significantly below-average rainfall, the Murphy Administration has declared a statewide Drought Watch, urging residents and businesses to conserve water. The declaration comes as New Jersey experiences ongoing stress on its water supplies, with the last three months showing marked declines in streamflow, reservoir, and groundwater levels.
In times of drought, our relationship with water becomes even more critical. Water scarcity not only affects drinking supplies but also impacts agriculture, wildlife, and our overall quality of life. The droughts we experience serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance we must maintain with our environment. Each drop of water we save today is a step towards securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
Water is life. It nourishes our bodies, sustains our ecosystems, and is integral to our cultural and spiritual practices. Across the globe, many cultures recognize water as sacred, embodying purity, renewal, and interconnectedness. Yet, as we face increasingly frequent and severe droughts, the urgency of conserving this precious resource has never been more pressing. Amanda Oglesby of The Asbury Park Press reports that the Manasquan Reservoir is at its lowest level ever before.
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette emphasized the urgency of the situation: “While water conservation is always important, it becomes critical during prolonged dry periods like we’ve seen this summer and into early fall. Voluntary conservation now can help us avoid more serious measures later.” Over the past few months, New Jersey has faced rainfall deficits of 2 to 7 inches, leading to potential record lows in precipitation for October. With temperatures remaining above average, the risk of further drought conditions looms.
The Drought Watch aims to raise public awareness about the stress on water resources. If conditions do not improve, more restrictive measures, such as a Drought Warning or Drought Emergency, may become necessary. To mitigate the impact of the drought, residents are encouraged to adopt simple conservation practices, particularly as the growing season winds down. Reducing outdoor irrigation, using water-efficient appliances, and adjusting sprinkler systems can make a significant difference.
For tips and resources, the DEP has created a Conserve Water Toolkit available for download, helping organizations and individuals spread awareness about water conservation.
For more information on New Jersey’s water supply status and conservation efforts, visit [dep.nj.gov/drought](https://dep.nj.gov/drought). Together, we can protect our most vital resource.
Due to extremely dry conditions, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions statewide, banning nearly all open burning. Fires in wooded areas are only allowed in elevated prepared fireplaces, charcoal grills, or stoves using gas or electricity. These fireplaces must be constructed of specific materials, elevated at least one foot, and surrounded by a mineral soil radius of at least ten feet.
Fostering awareness within our communities about the importance of water conservation can help cultivate a culture that values this essential resource. May we remember the sacredness of water and thus honor water through our actions.
Together, we can protect and preserve this vital element, ensuring that it remains abundant and accessible for all forms of life, even in challenging times.