NJ Issues Drought Warning as Wildfires Continue to Burn

By Jim Pytell, Managing Editor On Nov 13, 2024

As the Jennings Creek wildfire continues to burn thousands of acres in North Jersey, the state issued a drought warning today that urges the public to conserve water use and gives the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) authority to closely manage water systems.

The Drought Warning marks the next stage of drought after a Water Supply Drought Watch – a status that the DEP announced in mid-October following a period of prolonged dry conditions. The Drought Warning issued today enables the DEP to more closely manage water systems by directing water transfers among systems, controlling releases from reservoirs, and modifying the rate of flow in streams and rivers in order to balance ecological protection and needs of water suppliers. The goal of a Drought Warning is to preserve and balance available water supplies in an effort to avert more serious water shortages in the future.

New Jersey is currently experiencing its driest conditions in 120 years. 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.

Fire departments across the state battled at least a dozen fires this morning alone, including ongoing efforts to contain the Jennings Creek wildfire, which, according to officials, is now approximately 30% contained.

The Jennings Creek fire has burned nearly 5,000 acres total across New Jersey and New York, and even claimed the life of New York State parks system employee Dariel Vasquez, as he fought the fire on Saturday.

“Every one of us needs to do whatever we can to conserve water, and please leave those outdoor fire pits and grills untouched for the time being,” said Gov. Phil Murphy today during a virtual press conference. “These unseasonably dry conditions will not be ending any time soon, because by every indication it looks like we [have] a very dry winter ahead of us. That means this drought could grow even more severe, which may eventually require mandatory water restrictions.”

Additionally, New Jersey American Water has issued a mandatory conservation notice for all customers across the state. The company requests that customers limit all nonessential water usage by pausing all outdoor watering until spring and conserving as much as possible indoors.

“We are dedicated to responsible water management and are prepared to support Governor Murphy and the DEP’s action to move New Jersey to Drought Warning status,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “Our customers can trust that we are closely tracking water conditions and are prepared to take additional measures to support statewide water preservation efforts. However, it is critical for everyone to work together and conserve water now.”

Since the start of the year, nearly 1,300 wildfires have burned over 11,000 acres. The average number of fires per year since the year 2000 is 1,071 wildfires and 4,000 acres burned. As a result of the extremely dry conditions, mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect. These restrictions prohibit all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this level of restriction is in place. 

Below is a list of water conservation strategies issued by the DEP: 

Water Conservation Guidance  

The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use:  

• At this time of year, it is appropriate to let lawns go dormant for the season.

• Winterize, and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible.

• Only use a watering can to water flowers and shrubs or allow them to go dormant for the season.

• Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose.

• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, as washing your car at home typically results in more water use.

• To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes. Consider replacing your toilet with a low-flow version; this can save around 11,000 gallons per year.
• Upgrade your showerhead to low-flow versions, which can save some 7,700 gallons per year.

• Upgrade your faucets or install faucet aerators; this can save some 16,000 gallons per year.

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