Due to what he describes as ongoing concern about below normal precipitation, state Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin Friday urged New Jerseyans to take steps to conserve water, both inside the home and outside.
Matin said while recent rainfall has helped ease the year’s precipitation deficits somewhat, the effects of an unusually dry winter and spring are starting to be felt across the state.
“Overall our major water supplies, including reservoirs and deep aquifers, remain in good shape,” Martin said. “But after too much precipitation last year, we’ve now swung in the opposite direction, with months of below normal precipitation. Most concerning is that our stream levels and shallow groundwater supplies are severely stressed. Our goal is to begin moderating demand by asking residents to voluntarily conserve water before peak summer use begins.”
The DEP’s water team has been meeting weekly to assess water supplies, demand, climate data, and weather forecasts. Martin said recent rain and cooler weather have reduced wildfire threats, but the state Forest Fire Service cautions that risks can rise quickly after just a few days of dry and windy weather.
Martin said the recent rainfall also cut into statewide precipitation deficits. From a longer term precipitation standpoint, however, New Jersey is considered severely dry. Deficits range from 3.2 inches below normal in Cape May County to 5.8 inches below normal in Morris County.
