Q. What is a “drought watch”?

A. A drought watch is an administrative designation made by the Department when drought or other factors begin to affect water supply conditions. During a Drought Watch, the Department closely monitors drought indicators (including precipitation, stream flows and reservoir and ground water levels, and water demands) and consults with affected water suppliers. Under a drought watch, the public is encouraged to exercise wise water use practices.

Q. What are the drought indicators and how are they used?

A.  The Department utilizes several drought indicators to assess the status of water supply and hydrogeologic conditions for each drought region.  The indicators are precipitation, stream flow, shallow ground water levels, and reservoir storage (as applicable).  Each indicator is weighted according to its importance within a particular region (e.g. reservoirs are a significant factor in the Northeast drought region because they are a critical water supply source there). 

The indicators are evaluated and ranked according to how the current value relates to a statistical average, as follows: near/above normal, moderately dry, severely dry, or extremely dry.  Ultimately, these indicators serve as one factor the Department uses to determine if drought-related administrative actions (i.e. watch, warning, or emergency).

Q. Why does the Drought Watch designation apply only to the Northeast Drought Region?

A. As discussed in more detail below, drought regions enable the Department to evaluate water supply conditions on a focused geographical scale. Despite relatively hot, dry weather and high water demands, water reserves in the Northeast have been declining but generally remain at adequate levels due to surplus precipitation that fell during the past fall and winter. However, reservoir storage in two principal water systems have begun to drop sharply in recent weeks, and department water managers deemed it necessary to undertake proactive measures to balance supplies throughout the region. The Drought Watch will enable the department and water suppliers to work collaboratively on efforts aimed at averting a water shortage. A Drought Watch also alerts the public to use water wisely.

Q. What are the drought regions?

A. There are six drought regions: Northeast, Central, Northwest, Southwest, Coastal North and Coastal South.  The drought regions generally follow natural watershed boundaries and account for regional similarities in climate and water supply sources, among other things. The drought regions allow the Department to respond to changing conditions in one region without imposing constraints in areas not experiencing a water shortage. The drought regions align with municipal borders because the primary enforcement mechanism for water restrictions during a drought emergency is local police forces.  A map of the drought regions and a list of municipalities by region can be found at www.njdrought.org.

Q. Has the State imposed mandatory water use restrictions?

A. No, the State has not imposed mandatory restrictions at this time. You should, however, check with your water supplier, municipality and county to ensure that no restrictions have been instituted at those levels. Furthermore, everyone is asked to voluntarily conserve water to help avoid the potential of a serious water shortage.

Q. Whom do I contact in my town or county to find out if water use restrictions are in place?

A. If your drinking water is supplied by a municipal water department or municipal or county utilities authority, contact those agencies directly. If a private water company provides your water, they should be able to inform you of any restrictions that may apply. Finally, your city hall or county administration offices should be able to inform you about current restrictions.

Q. My town has imposed water use restrictions. Do I have to follow these if no State restrictions are in place?

A. Yes. Several New Jersey municipalities and counties have imposed their own water use restrictions, either on a seasonal or emergency basis, and you must follow them.  In the event the State does impose restrictions, you must follow whichever restrictions are more stringent.

Q. What can I do to conserve water?

A. Using water wisely can stretch existing supplies a long way and may avert the need for mandatory water use restrictions. The majority of water is used outside the home during summer to irrigate lawn and landscapes; unfortunately, much of that water is not used efficiently and ultimately is wasted.

Watering your lawn once or twice per week for no more than 30 minutes is more than adequate to sustain your lawn. If it rains, there is no need to water. Also, watering your lawn between midnight and 8:00 a.m. avoids excessive evaporation and water waste.

Remember to check for local water use restrictions as well as guidance from your water supplier.  Most often these restrictions allow for you to water on odd or even numbered days of the month, depending on your address.

To save water and money in the home, fix leaky faucets and pipes, and turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving. Install water conserving faucets and showerheads. Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full.  A complete list of water conservation tips appears elsewhere on the NJ Drought web page (www.njdrought.org). 

Q. If it rains, do I still need to conserve water?

A. Yes. Due to a substantial lack of precipitation since spring and above-average temperatures in June and July, water demands have begun to deplete water reserves. It may take several significant storm events or several months of more typical rainfall to reverse this trend. Every effort to conserve water at this time stretches existing supplies and may avert a water emergency and the need to impose mandatory water use restrictions later.

Q. What does “drought warning” mean? 

A. A drought warning may be issued by the Commissioner of DEP and represents a non-emergency approach to managing available water supplies.  Under a drought warning, the DEP may order water purveyors to develop alternative sources of water and to transfer water around the State from areas with relatively more water to those with less.  The aim of this stage of a response to drought conditions is to avert a more serious water shortage that would necessitate declaration of a water emergency and the imposition of mandatory water use restrictions. 

Q. What does “drought emergency” mean?

A. A water supply emergency can only be declared by the Governor.  During a water emergency that is imposed due to drought conditions, a phased approach to restricting water consumption is typically initiated.  Phase I water use restrictions typically target non-essential, outdoor water use.  And while some indirect economic impacts may occur, the first phases of water use restrictions seek to avoid adverse impacts on the agricultural and business sectors.  Those who are uniquely impacted by the restrictions can apply for a hardship exemption. While drought warning actions focus on improving the supply of water, water emergency actions focus on reducing water demands.