DEP issues statewide drought watch for New Jersey
The DEP says in the last three months reservoirs, streamflow and groundwater levels have diminished.
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A drought watch is in effect statewide as New Jersey enters the 18th day of no rain. Gov. Phil Murphy's administration made the announcement on Thursday to raise awareness and to have people voluntarily save water.
The Department of Environmental Protection says that in the last three months reservoirs, streamflow and groundwater levels have diminished. They say rainfall across New Jersey has been two to seven inches below normal over the past 90 days.
According to the state climatologist, this all comes on the heels of what was the third driest September.
October could be the driest October and possibly the driest month ever with little to no rain expected.
The DEP has water-saving recommendations for the fall, including not washing your car at home and postponing yard work.
If conditions do not improve, the DEP will declare a drought warning or emergency with mandatory water restrictions.
