A drought describes a prolonged period of abnormally low precipitation, such as rain or snow, which leads to a deficit in water supply. This shortage can affect various aspects of daily life, from agricultural needs to public water systems. When rainfall is significantly less than average for an extended time, natural water sources like rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves begin to diminish. Understanding these conditions helps communities manage their water resources more effectively during dry spells.
New Jersey’s Drought Status
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) monitors the state’s water conditions to determine drought status. Monitoring involves evaluating factors such as precipitation levels, streamflow, groundwater aquifers, and reservoir storage levels. The state categorizes drought severity into specific levels: a “Drought Watch,” a “Drought Warning,” and a “Drought Emergency.” Each level indicates increasing severity.
As of the latest update on July 15, 2025, the Coastal South region of New Jersey is under a Drought Watch due to drier than average streamflow and unconfined groundwater conditions. This designation signifies worsening conditions. Conversely, the Northeast, Northwest, Central, Coastal North, and Southwest drought regions are Normal, indicating healthy water supply conditions. While recent precipitation between July 6 and July 13, 2025, ranged from approximately 0 to 2.25 inches across the state, the NJDEP tracks conditions and updates indicators weekly.
Water Use Restrictions
Water use restrictions are implemented based on the declared drought level, guiding conservation efforts. During a “Drought Watch,” the state encourages voluntary water conservation practices, urging mindful water usage without mandating cutbacks. A “Drought Warning” escalates this, leading to requests for significant reductions in non-essential water use. This might include recommendations to limit lawn watering to specific days or times, reduce vehicle washing, and avoid filling swimming pools or using ornamental fountains.
Should conditions worsen to a “Drought Emergency,” mandatory restrictions are put into effect, carrying penalties for non-compliance. These emergency measures could involve strict limits on outdoor watering, prohibiting the washing of impervious surfaces like driveways, and restricting commercial water use for non-health or safety purposes. While the NJDEP sets the framework, individual municipalities and local water utilities may also implement more precise rules based on local water supply. Residents should consult their local water provider for the current restrictions.
Water Conservation Measures for Residents
Beyond official restrictions, residents can adopt measures to conserve water daily. Indoors, promptly fixing leaky faucets and toilets can save water, as even small drips add up. Taking shorter showers, five minutes or less, and ensuring dishwashers and washing machines are only run with full loads are effective strategies to reduce indoor water consumption. These small adjustments contribute to a collective impact on water resources.
Outdoor water conservation offers opportunities to reduce usage. Collecting rainwater in rain barrels can provide a free source for watering plants and gardens, reducing reliance on municipal supplies. Watering lawns and gardens early in the morning, before the sun is high, minimizes evaporation and ensures more water reaches plant roots. Sweeping driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of using a hose can save hundreds of gallons of water. Additionally, planting native species that are well-adapted to the local climate requires less supplemental watering once established.