Q. What are the drought regions?

A. There are six drought regions in New Jersey – Northeast, Central, Northwest, Southwest, Coastal North and Coastal South. These regions were developed based upon hydrologic conditions, watershed boundaries, municipal boundaries, and water supply characteristics. Municipal boundaries are used as a basis for defining the drought regions because, during a drought emergency, the primary mechanism for enforcing compliance with mandatory water use restrictions is the municipal police authority. A map of the drought regions and a list of municipalities by region can be found at http://www.njdrought.org/regions.html.

Q. What are the drought indicators and how are they used?

A. The DEP utilizes several drought indicators to assess the status of water supply and hydrologic conditions for each drought region. The indicators are precipitation, stream flow, shallow ground water levels, and reservoir storage (as applicable). Each indicator is weighted according to its importance within a particular region (e.g., reservoirs are a significant factor in the Northeast drought region because they are a critical water supply source there).

The indicators are evaluated and ranked according to how the current value relates to the long-term average, as follows: near/above normal, moderately dry, severely dry, or extremely dry. Ultimately, these indicators serve as one factor the DEP uses to determine if a drought-related administrative designation (i.e. watch, warning, or emergency) is warranted.

Q. What can I do to conserve water?

A. Using water wisely can stretch existing supplies a long way and may avert the need for mandatory water use restrictions later if the weather become drier. Watering your lawn once or twice per week for no more than 20 minutes is more than adequate to sustain your lawn. Generally, most homeowners over-water, which wastes vast amounts of water and actually hurts the lawn’s ability to weather drought. If it is raining or it has rained recently, DO NOT WATER! You can learn more about proper lawn care in New Jersey at: http://www.njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS102. Remember to check for local water use restrictions as well as guidance from your water supplier. Often such restrictions, if in place, allow for you to water on odd or even numbered days of the month, depending on your address.

To save water and money in the home, fix leaky faucets and pipes, and turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving. Install water conserving faucets and showerheads. Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full. A complete list of water conservation tips appears elsewhere on the NJ Drought web page (http://www.njdrought.org/ideas.html).

Q. Whom do I contact in my town or county to find out if water use restrictions are in effect?

A. If your drinking water is supplied by a municipal water department or municipal or county utilities authority, contact those agencies directly. If a private water company provides your water, they should be able to inform you of any restrictions that may apply. Finally, your city hall or county administration office should be able to inform you about current restrictions.

Q. My town has imposed water use restrictions. Do I have to follow these if no State restrictions are in place?

A. Yes. Several New Jersey municipalities and counties impose water use restrictions on either a seasonal or permanent basis, and you must follow them. In the event the State does impose mandatory water use restrictions, you must follow whichever restrictions are more stringent.

Q. Has the State imposed mandatory water use restrictions?

A. No, State-imposed restrictions are not in effect at this time. You should, however, check with your water supplier, municipality and county to ensure that no restrictions have been imposed at those levels. Furthermore, everyone is asked to voluntarily conserve water to help avoid the potential of a serious water shortage.

Q. It’s been raining, do I still need to conserve water?

A. Yes, it is incumbent upon each citizen to use water sparingly and not squander our precious water supplies. Particularly as we enter the growing season/peak water demand months of May through August, being mindful of one’s water use reduces waste, stretches existing supplies, and may avert a water emergency and the need to impose water use restrictions later.

Q. What does “drought watch” mean?

A. A drought watch indicates that the Department is closely monitoring drought indicators (including precipitation, stream flows, reservoir and ground water levels, and water demands). Under a drought watch, the public should begin voluntarily cutting back on water usage.

Q. What does “drought warning” mean?

A. A drought warning condition may be designated by the Commissioner of DEP and represents a non-emergency approach to managing available water supplies. Under a drought warning, water suppliers may be ordered to develop alternative sources of water and to transfer water between systems with relatively more water to those with less. The aim of actions undertaken during this stage is to avert a more serious water shortage and the declaration of a water emergency and the imposition of mandatory water use restrictions.

Q. What does “drought emergency” mean?

A. A water supply emergency can only be declared by the Governor in New Jersey. During a water emergency, a phased approach to restricting water consumption may be initiated. Phase I water use restrictions typically target non-essential, outdoor residential water use. And while some indirect economic impacts may occur, the first phases of water use restrictions seek to avoid curtailment of water use by the agriculture and business sectors. Those who are uniquely impacted by the restrictions can apply for a hardship exemption. Phase II through IV restrictions may be imposed as conditions worsen and a serious water shortage becomes more likely.