The background information given for the lessons presented here were written for classrooms in the western United States. Since a drought is determined by prevailing conditions and not only by the amount of precipitation, the following information will allow these lessons to apply more aptly to New Jersey.

• Precipitation, in New Jersey, ranges annually from 40 to 52 inches. This water is the sole source of the states fresh water supply.

• Residents in the north-east portion of the state get their water mostly from reservoirs or other surface water sources. The central and southern portions of the state rely mostly on groundwater.

• Precipitation is the natural source of groundwater recharge. As more surface area is covered with impervious materials, (streets, buildings) less water will be absorbed into the ground.

• Private wells are utilized by about 12% of the states population.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
would like to thank the Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region
for the lesson plans featured on this page.

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