TRENTON – As New Jersey continues to experience historically low precipitation, above-average temperatures, and deteriorating water-supply conditions, Gov. Phil Murphy and DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today declared a Drought Warning and gave an update on the significant increase in wildfires over last year. As New Jersey enters the next stage in severity of water-storage conditions, officials strongly encouraged the public to reduce water use during a virtual press conference.
Firefighters across New Jersey are battling several wildfires during a record-breaking dry spell that is affecting the entire Northeast. 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 New Jersey Office of Emergency Management has deployed the State's All-Hazards Incident Management Team to supplement operations. The Jennings Creek wildfire, burning along New Jersey’s border with New York, claimed the life of New York State parks system employee Dariel Vasquez as he fought the fire on Saturday.
Since the start of the year, nearly 1,300 wildfires have burned over 11,000 acres. The average number of fires per year since the year 2000 has been 1,071 wildfires and 4,000 acres burned. As a result of the extremely dry conditions, mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect. These restrictions prohibit all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this level of restriction is in place.
LaTourette signed an Administrative Order authorizing the Drought Warning designation, which is the next stage of drought after a Water Supply Drought Watch. DEP announced Drought Watch status in mid-October, following a period of prolonged dry conditions. A Drought Warning enables the DEP to more closely manage water systems by directing water transfers among systems, controlling releases from reservoirs, and modifying the rate of flow in streams and rivers in order to balance ecological protection and needs of water suppliers.
“New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions—as a result of climate change—that require us to take these precautionary measures now,” Murphy said. “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.”
“Climate change is driving our record low precipitation and above-average temperature recorded statewide in September and October,” LaTourette said. “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.”
Drought Warning Explained
The goal of a Drought Warning is to preserve and balance available water supplies in an effort to avert more serious water shortages in the future. The Administrative Order designating Drought Warning status comes a day after the DEP held a hearing to update water suppliers and the public on water supply conditions, receive their input, and assess all available water supply management options. The state last entered Drought Warning status in October 2016, which persisted in some parts of the state until August 2017.
The Administrative Order establishes a formal process for the DEP to work with water suppliers in affected regions to ensure no single water supplier or region faces a significant shortfall if dry weather and high customer demand continue. In consideration and preparation for Drought Warning status, DEP has been consulting with water suppliers to assess conditions, ensure they are fully aware of the situation, and that they are able to work cooperatively with the DEP.
Water Conservation Guidance
The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use:
• At this time of year, it is appropriate to let lawns go dormant for the season.
• Winterize, and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible.
• Only use a watering can to water flowers and shrubs or allow them to go dormant for the season.
• Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, as washing your car at home typically results in more water use.
• To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes. Consider replacing your toilet with a low-flow version; this can save around 11,000 gallons per year.
• Upgrade your showerhead to low-flow versions, which can save some 7,700 gallons per year.
• Upgrade your faucets or install faucet aerators; this can save some 16,000 gallons per year.
Locally
All three Downbeach communities have ordinances that allow the municipality to suspend watering rights during emergencies.
Margate normally has odd-even watering days May 1 to Sept. 15, with even numbered homes watering on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and Monday, Wednesday and Friday for odd-numbered homes. No watering is permitted on Sunday. It also limits the time for watering to 5-7 a.m. or 7-9 p.m.
Ventnor has a 15-minute limit per day for automatic sprinklers, and limits watering to 7-9 a.m. or 6-8 p.m. Watering is limited to Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Jackson Avenue to Dorset Avenue and all of Ventnor Heights, The west side of Dorset Avenue to Fredericksburg and Ventnor Gardens and Ventnor West can water Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. No watering on Sunday.
Longport also has odd-even watering restrictions and time restrictions and urges residents to observe voluntary water restrictions. It reserves the right to completely ban outside water usage during water emergencies.
More Information
For more state water supply status information and to view the Administrative Order, visit njdrought.org
For more detailed information on water conservation technologies and interesting facts, visit dep.nj.gov/conserve-water/
For more information on water efficient appliances, visit dep.nj.gov/appliancestandards
