TRENTON — State environmental officials called for voluntary water restrictions today as temperatures continued to top 100 degrees in some parts of New Jersey. The U.S. Geological Survey contends New Jersey and other parts of the northeast are in "abnormally dry" conditions, but the state Department of Environmental Protection said it is not yet issuing a formal drought warning....
Anthony Torres gets some water in the face at the Salvation Army boys/girls club in the Ironbound during the heat wave.TRENTON — State environmental officials called for voluntary water restrictions today as temperatures continued to top 100 degrees in some parts of New Jersey.
The U.S. Geological Survey contends New Jersey and other parts of the northeast are in "abnormally dry" conditions, but the state Department of Environmental Protection said it is not yet issuing a formal drought warning. The DEP, describing conditions as "a persistent dry spell," said it only wants people to use water more carefully, cutting back on lawn watering and other unessential uses.
"We are in good shape to deal with the immediate situation when it comes to our water," said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin in a prepared statement. "Our reservoirs are relatively full. We are certainly not in any trouble now when it comes to water supply. But it could slip and change very quickly, especially considering the current weather pattern. Right now, the short-term forecast is for continued hot and dry conditions, so we are asking everyone to pitch in and conserve water."
New Jersey American Water Co., one of the state's largest water companies, said increased demands for water prompted it to impose a mandatory water restriction in Monmouth County on Saturday and to ask for voluntary water conservation in parts of Ocean County.
The company provides water in 17 of New Jersey's 21 counties.
The DEP contends that plentiful water reserves generated by a wet winter and spring are being offset by summer demands and the climbing temperatures. Authorities are asking residents to reduce lawn irrigation and car washing, and to take additional conservation steps such as turning off indoor taps while shaving, brushing teeth and dealing with normal household tasks.
The DEP issued some additional water saving tips:
• Limit lawn watering to two times per week for 30 minutes in morning or late evening; use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs.
• Fix leaky faucets and pipes.
• Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
• Install high-efficiency, water saving toilets, faucets and shower heads.
Previous coverage:
• Thousands of N.J. PSE&G customers experience power outages in 100-degree heat
• Newark opens cooling centers amid 100-degree heat
• N.J. heat wave continues with record-breaking 100 degree temperatures
• JCP&L restores power to N.J. residents after holiday weekend outages
• Heat wave is forecast for N.J. with temperatures hovering in the 90s all week
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