New Jersey's largest reservoir Round Valley Reservoir falls to lowest capacity ever

State officials say the largest reservoir in New Jersey has fallen to its lowest capacity since it was formed more than 50 years ago. Valley Reservoir in Clinton Township on Thursday was at 66.5 percent

News 12 Staff

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Nov 12, 2016, 3:59 AM

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Updated 2,986 days ago

State officials say the largest reservoir in New Jersey has fallen to its lowest capacity since it was formed more than 50 years ago.

Valley Reservoir in Clinton Township on Thursday was at 66.5 percent of its 55 billion-gallon capacity.

Round Valley is 2,350 acres in size and reaches depths of up to 180 feet. It was formed in 1960.

According to the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, the previous record low was 67.2 percent capacity set on Nov. 28, 1982, when the state was in the midst of a drought emergency.

Fishermen in the area have reported difficulty in launching boats at the reservoir, but not all of them seem to mind the low levels.

"It allows me as a fisherman to reach spots where last year I couldn't reach out here," one fisherman tells News 12 New Jersey.

The smaller Spruce Run Reservoir nearby is also reporting lower water levels. Officials report that levels are at 33 percent. The lowest level for the Spruce Run Reservoir was 28 percent recorded in 1993.

The Oradell Reservoir also reported low levels in October. New Jersey residents say that they are concerned.

"Well we have a large population in New Jersey so if the natural reservoirs are this low, it could be pretty concerning," says Maureen O'Reagan, of Bedminster.

A warning for drought-like conditions has been issued in 14 of New Jersey's 21 counties. State officials blame a lack of rain for the low levels.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.