Drought warning: Manasquan Reservoir sits at 50% after weeks without significant rain
American Water officials say that despite the low level, customers should not be worried.
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The Manasquan Reservoir now sits at just 50% capacity. It’s a new low that's never been seen before in its 34-year history, according to officials.
From newly formed islands to beaches that should not exist, the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell Township may look like it is drying up. But for the quarter million American Water customers, there’s no reason to worry for now.
“We are able to move water differently within the system, allowing us to reduce the demand of our reservoirs and increase other areas like groundwater sources,” said Brian Jacobus, the senior production manager for American Water.
The reassurance still doesn’t take away from the beached floating docks and boat cleats now 20 feet off the ground.
“The reservoirs are maintained where they can be,” he said.
Tourism has always been popular at the Manasquan Reservoir but now people are visiting to see the dramatic examples of the ongoing drought.
MORE: News 12 New Jersey Weather Center
“We saw it on News 12 and decided to check it out ourselves and we’ve never seen it like this. It’s crazy,” said Sue Kelly, of Freehold.
The messaging from American Water to do your part to conserve at home has now shifted to include the word “mandatory,” to push the seriousness and urgency of the ongoing drought.
“We’ve always been asking water conservation or winterizing your sprinkler systems, to pause on the outdoor water use, to look at efficient water fixtures in your home,” said Jacobus.
“I hope we get some rain soon. I don’t know when it’s coming but I don’t even know how much rain we would need to fill this back up,” said Kelly.
At this stage, the reservoir would need about 2 billion gallons to restore it to capacity.
DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said this week that if the public takes these warnings to conserve water seriously and the area receives some much-needed rain over the next few months, an upgrade to Drought Emergency hopefully won’t be needed.
