The Murphy Administration has declared a statewide Drought Watch, urging New Jersey residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water amid prolonged dry conditions and below-average rainfall that are straining the state’s water supplies.
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the measure less than three months after lifting a previous Drought Warning that had been in place through much of late 2024 and early 2025.
The Drought Watch aims to raise public awareness about declining streamflow, reservoir, and groundwater levels across the state. While the declaration does not impose mandatory restrictions, officials warned that if conditions continue to deteriorate, a Drought Warning or Drought Emergency could follow, triggering statewide water-use limits.
According to state climatologist David Robinson, rainfall across New Jersey has been one to six inches below normal over the past 90 days, and 10 of the last 12 months have seen below-average precipitation. Temperatures have also remained largely above normal, further stressing water systems.
Streamflows and reservoir levels are now categorized as Moderately to Severely Dry across much of the state, while groundwater levels have dropped into the Severely Dry range statewide. The Northeast and Coastal North regions have been particularly affected, with reservoir storage below seasonal averages.
Although the Coastal South region has seen near-average rainfall, groundwater recovery has been notably slow, the DEP said.
New Jersey last entered a Drought Watch on October 17, 2024, which was escalated to a Drought Warning a month later after continued rainfall deficits. The warning was lifted in June 2025 following several months of heavy spring rainfall, although the southern coast remained under localized watch conditions.
Officials say the DEP is continuing to monitor drought indicators, including precipitation, streamflow, reservoir levels, and water demand. Local governments or utilities may implement additional restrictions if necessary.
The DEP encouraged residents and businesses to take common-sense conservation measures, including:
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Reducing outdoor watering and delaying lawn reseeding until rainfall improves.
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Adjusting automated sprinklers to prevent unnecessary irrigation.
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Fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances indoors.
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Washing vehicles at commercial car washes, which typically recycle and use water more efficiently.
“Every drop counts,” DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said, urging the public to conserve wherever possible to protect the state’s water supplies through the dry season.