Due to the continued lack of rainfall and the declining reservoir levels, NJ Gov. Christie Whitman today declared a water emergency in New Jersey and issued mandatory restrictions on outdoor, non-essential water uses statewide. With no significant rain in the forecast, and with water use continuing at an unprecedented pace, we need everyone to adhere to these mandatory water restrictions. Restrictions apply primarily to outdoor water use and prohibit the watering of lawns, the non-commercial washing of motor vehicles and the draining or refilling of pools. In this phase of the emergency, some exceptions apply, such as irrigation for food crops and limited watering of newly seeded or sodded areas.
Commercial car washes that recycle water are also exempt.
In addition to the mandatory restrictions, residents are urged to only use washing machines and dishwashers when full, repair leaky toilets, pipes and taps, install water conserving showerheads and faucet aerators, and don't let the water run unnecessarily while shaving and brushing teeth. The state's major reservoirs are nearly 11 percent below normal, averaging 69.8 percent of capacity. The reservoirs are normally at about 80 percent capacity at this time of year. Because the drought is having an impact on the entire state, all residents are urged to adhere to the mandatory restrictions, including those with private wells. Many major waterways throughout the state are at historic low flows, which affect groundwater supplies.