| NEW JERSEY ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMISSIONER EASES DROUGHT RESTRICTIONS
Calls for Continued Water Conservation
(02/110) Burlington , NJ---New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley
M. Campbell today announced revisions to the current
drought restrictions at a drought conference held at the
New Jersey EcoComplex in Columbus. Although many restrictions
will stay in effect, outdoor lawn watering will be allowed
every other day on an odd-even basis statewide, while township
specific restrictions remain in place.
"Given the recent rainfall and cooler
temperatures, we are easing restrictions to help homeowners
and to reduce the economic impacts of the drought,"
Campbell said. "By no means should this action mislead
people to think that the drought emergency is over. Instead,
we must remain prudent. Water conservation continues to
be of the utmost importance to ensure sufficient water supplies
are available throughout the upcoming months."
October rainfall has partially alleviated
the immediate severity of the statewide drought emergency.
Recent combined northeast reservoir systems show an increase
of just over two percent from their historic average. Groundwater
recovery in northern New Jersey has also been rising. However,
the entire coastal plain of the state continues to lag behind
with groundwater levels remaining below normal.
"The rainfall has impacted areas of
the state differently. Groundwater levels and stream flow
in southern New Jersey have not recovered and remain below
normal for this time of year, so we need to err on the side
of caution," added Campbell. "We must remember
that just as quickly as water levels rise with rain, they
will drop immediately without it."
The restriction on washing of a vehicle
at a residence has been eased and is allowed on weekends
only. The state will continue to assess the water situation
and will make other recommendations as warranted.
For more information on the drought,
please visit the DEP drought website at www.njdrought.org.
The revised
administrative order is also available.
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