NJ declares drought warning in 14 counties

Despite some rain this week, the state has issued a drought warning in 14 New Jersey counties in an effort to conserve drinking water supplies.

Precipitation shortfalls, drying streams, low levels of groundwater and deteriorating water supplies in reservoirs have contributed to the state's critical drought situation, DEP officials said Friday. The goal of the warning is to preserve and balance available water supplies to prevent more serious shortages in the future.

DEP Commissioner Bob Martin, who issued the administrative order for the warning, said the situation in densely populated parts of northern New Jersey — which rely heavily on reservoir water — is becoming more critical. Some water systems are dropping to half their capacity or less.

Counties included in the warning are Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties. Salem, Gloucester, Camden and Burlington counties are under a drought watch.

Drinking water levels in Cumberland, Cape May and Atlantic counties are considered normal.

READ: Things to know about the drinking water drought

The warning gives Martin the authority to order water transfers between companies to areas in need. The DEP has been consulting water suppliers since July to assess conditions.

MORE: State preparing for drought in 12 counties

Although the warning doesn't impose restrictions on water consumption, state officials are urging residents to reduce their water use. If the situation worsens, the governor can declare a drought emergency, which gives the DEP the authority to limit water use.

Unlike in the northern part of the state, Monmouth and Ocean counties rely on a both reservoir and groundwater supplies. For four weeks, the groundwater in Monmouth and northern Ocean counties is "extremely dry," according to DEP drought indicators.

This week, groundwater supplies in northwest and central New Jersey counties moved in the "extremely dry" category, too.

Precipitation levels in the areas under drought warning have been 60 to 80 percent of average, state climatologist David Robinson said.

It would take average rainfall through April, or twice the average rainfall through the end of the year, to recover from the drought, Robinson said.

Source: Office of the New Jersey State Climatologist

MORE: Will NJ soon be under a drought warning?

The good news is, Robinson said, is the state doesn't have a "dry season," so getting out of a drought is easier than in states like California.

A public hearing on the details and impact of the drought situation was held in Millburn on Thursday afternoon. Climate experts, scientists, water company staff and local groups and organizations with interest in water systems and conservation testified at the hearing.

Kala Kachmar: 732-643-4061; kkachmar@gannettnj.com.