New Jersey declares drought emergency
Date: 06-Mar-02
Country: USA
The drought-emergency declaration for New Jersey came as communities along the U.S. East Coast struggled with the driest conditions that states such as Maine have seen in more than a century. Such a declaration never before has been made this early in a year in New Jersey.
Last month was the driest February on record in New Jersey, where 5.32 inches (13.5 cm) of rain fell, or about half the normal amount.
Meteorologists say the state needs 18 inches (46 cm) of rain in March, April and May to ease current drought conditions. But that amounts to six inches (15 cm) more than the state of 8 million people receives in a normal year.
"Despite some rainfall last weekend, both our reservoirs and ground water supplies are seriously depleted," said state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Brad Campbell said. "We need essentially to act now."
The drought emergency will be in effect statewide, including the hardest-hit communities along the northeastern tier of the state, including the suburbs of New York City.
Dry conditions also have hit neighboring states.
Pennsylvania already has declared a drought emergency in 24 counties east of the Susquehanna River. New York has issued a less-intensive drought warning for 10 counties in the Delaware River basin, and a drought watch for 46 others including New York City.
The restrictions in New Jersey will be tailored across six designated drought regions. Central New Jersey is in relatively good shape, for example, and the state is looking at ways to share that water with communities in the northeast.
The state's goal is to reduce water demand by 30 percent as the peak summer season approaches, and to do so without wholly shutting off water-dependent employers.
New Jersey authorities urged residents to scrutinize the ways they use water and consider fewer uses of dishwashers and washing machines with larger loads, shorter showers and to use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose to wash the family car.