Most of the state continues to be stuck in a severe or extreme drought, with many water supplies remaining below their normal capacity.

Drought Warning Explained

The goal of a Drought Warning is to preserve and balance available water supplies in an effort to avert more serious water shortages in the future.

The Administrative Order establishes a formal process for the DEP to work with water suppliers in affected regions to ensure no single water supplier or region faces a significant shortfall if dry weather and high customer demand continue. In consideration and preparation for Drought Warning status, DEP has been consulting with water suppliers to assess conditions, ensure they are fully aware of the situation, and that they are able to work cooperatively with the DEP.

Water Conservation Guidance

The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use:
 

• Only use a watering can to water flowers and shrubs or allow them to go dormant for the season.
• Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, as washing your car at home typically results in more water use.
• To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes. Consider replacing your toilet with a low-flow version; this can save around 11,000 gallons per year.
• Upgrade your showerhead to low-flow versions, which can save some 7,700 gallons per year.
• Upgrade your faucets or install faucet aerators; this can save some 16,000 gallons per year.

Please view below flyers for additional information:
water-conservation-spring-2025-flyer2.pdf
dep-drought-flyer-1.pdf

For more state water supply status information and to view the Administrative Order, visit njdrought.org

For more detailed information on water conservation technologies and interesting facts, visit dep.nj.gov/conserve-water/

For more information on water-efficient appliances, visit dep.nj.gov/appliancestandards