Veolia Water New Jersey is calling on residents to limit outdoor watering and take other steps to conserve water in response to a Drought Warning issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).
The warning comes as the state faces record-low rainfall and elevated temperatures.
Alan Weland, Regional President, Veolia Water New Jersey, said: “We support the call for conservation by Governor Murphy and the NJDEP . There are many small changes consumers can make to prevent wasting water, such as fixing leaky faucets and shortening showers. These measures will help reduce the stress on water systems throughout New Jersey.”
Over the past three months, New Jersey has experienced below-normal rainfall levels and higher-than-usual temperatures. September and October were the driest two-month period on record, with October marking the driest single month ever recorded in the state, receiving just 0.2 inches of rainfall — far below the normal average of 4.19 inches.
This rare fall drought has also affected other states in the Northeast, from Maryland to Maine, with dry conditions fueling wildfires throughout the region.
Weland said: “Please be assured that we are closely monitoring our water supplies and working with state and local officials to ensure we meet the needs of residents and businesses across New Jersey. I want to thank residents for doing their part to conserve and encourage everyone to continue their efforts as New Jersey navigates this challenging situation.”
Water Conservation Guidance
The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use:
● Winterize and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible. Letting lawns go dormant for the season helps reduce unnecessary water use.
● Use a watering can to water flowers and shrubs, or allow them to go dormant for the season.
● Sweep sidewalks and driveways with a broom instead of using a hose.
● Use commercial car washes that recycle water, as washing a car at home typically uses more water.
Veolia 200 Lake Shore Drive, Haworth, NJ 07641 1-800-422-5987
● Fix leaky faucets and pipes around your home to prevent wasting water.
● Upgrade to low-flow toilets to save approximately 11,000 gallons of water per year.
● Install low-flow showerheads to conserve up to 7,700 gallons of water annually.
● Upgrade faucets or install aerators to reduce water use by around 16,000 gallons per year.
More tips and tools for saving water can be found at:
https://mywater.veolia.us/new-jersey/water-in-my-area/water-saving-tips and on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s site at https://dep.nj.gov/conserve-water/
