The Murphy Administration today issued a statewide water supply Drought Warning, urging residents and businesses to reduce water use as a result of persistent below-average precipitation and deteriorating water supply conditions across New Jersey.
“The Department of Environmental Protection is closely monitoring drought indicators and water supplies to ensure we have enough water across the state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “While there are currently no mandatory restrictions in place, it is up to each of us to take precautions now and do our part by conserving water use in and around our homes and businesses.”
“The precipitation and water supply uncertainty we’ve experienced over the past year is a symptom of the impacts of climate change here in New Jersey,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “We ask residents, businesses, and partners in local government to join us in spreading the urgency of the need to conserve water.”
Commissioner LaTourette today signed an Administrative Order authorizing the Drought Warning designation, which is the next stage of drought status after a Drought Watch and a step below a Drought Emergency, which could call for mandatory water-use restrictions. The state had been under a Drought Watch since Oct. 1 of this year.
The last statewide Drought Warning was issued in November 2024. The warning was lifted in June of this year, following record rainfall in May, although the Coastal South region of the state remained in a watch. Overall, though, the state has experienced below-average precipitation for more than a year, leading to the issuance of a Drought Watch in October and today’s issuance of a Drought Warning.
Drought Warning Explained
In consideration and preparation for Drought Warning status, DEP has been consulting with water suppliers to assess conditions, ensure that they are fully aware of the situation, and that they are able to work cooperatively with the DEP. The Administrative Order designating Drought Warning status comes a day after the DEP held a virtual public hearing to update water suppliers and the public on water supply conditions, receive their input, and assess all available water supply management options.
The goal of a Drought Warning is to preserve and balance available water supplies 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.
A Drought Warning enables the DEP to more closely manage water systems by directing water transfers among systems, controlling releases from reservoirs, and modifying the permitted rate of flow in streams and rivers downstream of reservoirs to balance ecological protection and needs of water suppliers.
Winter Water Conservation Tips:
The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use:
- Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full.
- Winterize, and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible.
- Insulate exposed outdoor pipes and hose connections.
- Check pipes for leaks after any thaws, as changing temperatures can cause pipes to break.
- Learn the locations of your home’s water valves to be able to shut off water during emergencies like a burst pipe.
- Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, as washing your car at home typically results in more water use.
- Compost vegetable food waste instead of using the garbage disposal.
- Keep your outdoor jacuzzi or spa covered to prevent evaporation.
- 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.
- Use native plants when planning your spring and summer gardens.
- When buying grass seed, choose drought-tolerant grasses, such as fine-leaf fescues.
Press Release by NJDEP, December 5, 2025
