Water is our most precious natural resource—without it, all life would perish. Water is also incredibly fragile and vulnerable to many threats, from various sources of pollution to climate change. Water’s complex character has inspired artists, ignited political wars, and influenced the growth of cities. Access to water ranges from a simple twist of a spigot for some people to the time-consuming process of hauling buckets of water for others. We invite you to examine your relationship with water. Every drop counts.
Too much water means flooding and erosion. As we continue to replace forests, meadows and wetlands with hard surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and rooftops, there is less and less room for water to soak into the ground.
Instead of replenishing groundwater naturally, more precipitation gets trapped on hard surfaces. These surfaces act as a ramp for water to carve out stream banks and rapidly sweep pollution into our waterways.
Tell us where it floods near you!
Too little water spells drought. The water we drink comes from groundwater or treated surface water drawn from local rivers.
We utilize reservoirs to provide a steady supply for the state’s residents, but dry seasonality, poor management, and heavy development can all impede our watershed’s ability to absorb and retain water naturally. New Jersey’s Water Supply Master Plan hasn’t been updated since 1996! That’s why water conservation is at the heart of everything we do.
How much water do you use?
Dirty water means pollution. The greatest source of water pollution in our region today is polluted stormwater runoff from the daily activities of ordinary residents.
Pesticides and fertilizers from our lawns, oil and chemicals that spill from our cars, leaks from broken septic pipes, pet waste, cleaners, road salt, plastic waste, micro-trash, and other forms of “people pollution” accumulate in our drinking water.
See your People Pollution Score:
How Much Water Do You Use?
Water Calculator
Do You Know Where Your Drinking Water Comes From?
The water we drink in our homes and workplaces comes from a variety of sources ...
Is It Safe to Swim in Local Lakes and Streams?
Pollutants run into our streams and lakes, causing the growth of algae and bacteria that ...
What Is Green Infrastructure and Why Do We Need It?
When rain falls on our roofs, streets, and parking lots, the subsequent water cannot soak ...
What Is A Watershed?
A watershed is an area of land that drains into a particular body of water, ...
How Does Rain Cause Pollution?
When it rains, water is absorbed into the ground and recharges the aquifer. Because New ...
How Is Climate Change Affecting Water?
Around the globe, the warming atmosphere, land and oceans are causing fundamental changes to the ...
How Are We Altering the Water Cycle?
The water cycle is the processes by which water circulates between the earth’s oceans, atmosphere, and land, involving precipitation as rain and snow, drainage in streams and rivers, and return to the atmosphere by evaporation and transpiration.
Watch our video to see how land development and climate change is affecting the water cycle. Find out what you can do to help restore this natural cycle!
Restoring the Water Cycle
Read More to Raise Your Water-IQ!
What are Vernal Pools?
A vernal pool is a temporary body of water that is cut off from all flowing water sources such as streams and rivers. They are ...
Native Plants Benefit Our Ecosystem
Adding local ferns, grasses and plants to your yard saves time and money.
Harmful Algal Blooms Impact Local Lakes
Rosedale Lake was closed recreation this week due to the growth of blue-green algae.
Green Infrastructure – Rain Barrels
Rain barrels, which capture and reuse rainwater for your gardens, is one way of controlling stormwater and helping to reduce local flooding.
70 Things You Can Do About Climate Change
Small actions add up to big impacts. We can all have a more positive impact, so to celebrate our 70th Anniversary, we made a list ...
How Does Plastic Pollution Harm Water?
Plastic - which takes decades or even hundreds of years to decompose - poses a threat to our water supplies and water quality in a ...
How Do Trees Benefit Us?
You probably know that the trees in your yard provide shade, privacy, carbon absorption, wildlife habitat, and air quality benefits. Trees are like the lungs ...