Gov. Phil Murphy announced the warning and is calling for residents to voluntarily conserve water.
N.J. declares drought warning as conditions worsen; state’s biggest water supplier orders mandatory conservationThis image provided by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection shows the wildfire in Jennings Creek, N.J., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
“The big-picture takeaway is that every one of us needs to do whatever we can to conserve water,” Murphy said. “And it goes without saying, this is not the time to be lighting outdoor fires. We simply cannot risk it.”Murphy said the dry conditions are likely to continue. Since early October, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has responded to 537 wildfires, a more than 1,300% increase in wildfires over the same period last year.
DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette called the dry spell since August an “extraordinarily persistent” one that has led to low water levels, such as at the Manasquan Reservoir in Monmouth County, which has dropped to 50% capacity. The 770-acre reservoir provides drinking water for residents.
Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water, said he strongly encouraged customers to comply with conservation measures, such as by not running sprinklers, taking shorter showers, and running the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gov. Phil Murphy signs bill into law to increase penalties for home invasions in New JerseyIt comes as home invasions continue to plague communities throughout the state.
Read more »
Gov. Phil Murphy signs bill into law to increase penalties for home invasions in New JerseyOrganizations like the ACLU of New Jersey oppose the bill, saying the solution isn't harsher penalties for juveniles.
Read more »
NJ passes storm relief bill more than 3 years after Hurricane Ida ravaged homesSurvivors must now wait and see if Gov. Phil Murphy signs it into law this time.
Read more »
N.J.‘s interim U.S. Senator visits Jordan, supports U.N. agency under fire from IsraelGeorge Helmy was appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy after U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez resigned.
Read more »
Phil Lyman asked Utah Legislature to force ‘illegitimate’ Gov. Spencer Cox off the 2024 ballotPhil Lyman asked his Utah House colleagues this week to convene an emergency session of the Legislature to disqualify Gov. Spencer Cox from the 2024 ballot. The suggestion was swatted down by House Speaker Mike Schultz.
Read more »
Phil Lyman wants to toss Gov. Cox from office and upend Utah’s election resultsFailed gubernatorial candidate Phil Lyman is asking the Utah Supreme Court to oust Gov. Spencer Cox and Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson from office
Read more »