After the State Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) declared a statewide drought watch on Oct. 17, the Camden County Board of Commissioners and the Office of Sustainability are urging residents to conserve water.
“The past few months have been abnormally warm and dry, creating the current drought conditions statewide,” said Commissioner Jon Young, liaison to the Office of Sustainability. “While we should always be aware about how much water we are using, it is especially important right now that all residents try their best to conserve water to ease the stress on our state’s water supply while this drought watch is in effect.”
New Jersey has a three-stage drought advisory system where a drought watch is the first step. Under a drought watch, conservation is encouraged but if conditions don’t improve, the state could enact mandatory conservations efforts.
NJ DEP has recommended taking the following steps to conserve water:
- Reduce usage by 65% and use a commercial carwash instead of washing your cra at home.
- POstpone water intensive yardwork, like reseeding your lawn until conditions improve
- Sweep patios, driveways and sidewalks. NEver hose paved surfaces
- Fix leaks around your home and with your irrigation system.
- If you are still watering your plants, lawns, gardens, they require less water in the fall, and use a rain barrel or watering can.
- Install low-flow showerheads, faucets and toilets
- Take five-minute showers
- Turn off water while brushing teeth.
- Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when full.
- Raise lawnmower blades to at least three inches to promote deeper grass roots, which hold water better.
The public is encouraged to follow these common-sense water conservation tips. For additional water conservation tips, visit dep.nj.gov/conserve-water.
The most up-to-date information about the status of New Jersey’s water supplies can be found at dep.nj.gov/drought/
For more water conservation tips, go to: dep.nj.gov/drought/current-conditions/
