On November 13th, 2024, Governor Phil Murphy and Commissioner Shawn LaTourette announced that New Jersey has declared a Statewide Drought Warning. This measure upgrades an earlier declaration of a statewide Drought Watch in October. In September, the state also released the 2024 New Jersey Statewide Water Supply Plan.
While the DEP has monitored statewide dry conditions over the past month, Hopewell Township has been experiencing severe (D2) drought conditions that have placed residents under drought and fire restrictions amid brush fires.
In a related development, the Delaware River Basin Commission, an interstate agency of governors that has raised concerns about groundwater and reservoirs, will host a special public hearing today at 1:30 p.m.
New Jersey’s latest Drought Warning declaration was established via an Administrative Order signed by Commissioner Shawn LaTourette, which allows reservoir systems to preserve available supply, and for the Department to work with water systems to ensure functionality of interconnections, reduce water loss, and where appropriate, make transfers between various water sources.
Though no statewide customer water-use restrictions are being established by the Department at this time, New Jersey is urging everyone to conserve water. Municipalities and/or water systems may impose stricter restrictions based on local conditions.
Water systems that are directly impacted by the Administrative Order will be contacted separately. The Department is continuously evaluating the conditions and will provide updates as they become available.
Up to date information about the New Jersey Water Supply Drought, including conditions, frequently asked questions, etc, can be found at njdrought.org.
If you have a specific question, please reach out to [email protected], and ensure your Program Interest Number or PWSID# and Permit/Water System Name are in the subject line.
