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New Jersey Enters Drought Watch

Author Lauren Hoffman
SAN JOSE, CA - JULY 21: Green Canary president Shawn Sahbari sprays green water-based paint on a partially dead lawn at the Almaden Valley Athletic Club on July 21, 2014 in San Jose, California. As the severe California drought continues to worsen, homeowners and businesses looking to conserve water are letting lawns die off and are having them painted to look green. The paint lasts up to 90 days on dormant lawns and will not wash off. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette has issued a statewide drought watch as of today (Tuesday, August 9).

As persistent dry and hot conditions continue to stress water supplies throughout the state, the Murphy Administration is urging residents and businesses to conserve water.

“Stream flow and ground water levels are falling below normal for most of the state and some reservoirs are showing steep rates of decline as hot and dry conditions continue,” Commissioner LaTourette said in a press release. “While water conservation is always important, it becomes critical during prolonged dry and hot periods like New Jersey has been experiencing. If residents and businesses do all they can to reduce water demand, together we can ensure ample supplies in the coming weeks and months.”

More than 30 percent of water demand in suburban areas is for outdoor purposes at this time of year. Scroll below to see the 10 simple steps you can take to save water or click here to learn more.

New Jersey Residents And Businesses Encouraged To Conserve Water

  • 1.

    Water your landscaping with water harvested in a rain barrel connected to a downspout.

  • 2.

    Use 30-50% less water with drip irrigation and micro-sprays compared to sprinklers.

  • 3.

    Only water when needed, in NJ most landscapes need only 1 inch of water per week.

  • 4.

    Purchase a water saving filter if you are a pool owner.

  • 5.

    Cover your pool when not in use to reduce evaporation rates.

  • 6.

    Avoid recreational toys that require a constant stream of water.

  • 7.

    Raise your lawnmower blade to at least 3 inches to promote deeper grass roots which holds water better.

  • 8.

    Use water from dehumidifiers and air conditioners to water your plants.

  • 9.

    Use native plants that need less water.

  • 10.

    Group plants together based on water needs.

  • Every Drop Counts:

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Author Lauren Hoffman
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