Full Notification

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<p><strong>DEP NEWS RELEASE</strong></p>
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<p>&nbsp;Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin placed 14 counties encompassing the northern, central and northern coastal areas of New Jersey under a drought warning due to ongoing precipitation deficits and deteriorating water supply conditions, particularly storage levels in reservoirs. Commissioner Martin signed an Administrative Order designating a drought warning for Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties. The goal of the drought warning is to preserve and balance available water supplies in an effort to avert more serious water shortages in the future. The warning also elevates the need for residents and businesses in impacted counties to reduce their water use.</p>

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<p>The DEP offers the following tips to reduce water use:</p>

<p>&bull; At this time of year, it is appropriate to let your lawns go dormant.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&bull; Turn sprinkler systems off automatic timers.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&bull; Use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs, or let them go dormant.</p>

<p>&bull; Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&bull; Wash vehicles with a bucket and do not run the hose more than necessary, or use a commercial car wash that recycles water.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&bull; 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.</p>

<p>&bull; Upgrade your showerhead to low-flow versions, which can save some 7,700 gallons per year.</p>

<p>&nbsp;&bull; Upgrade your faucets or install faucet aerators; this can save some 16,000 gallons per year.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;For more state water supply status information and to view the Administrative Order, visit:&nbsp;www.njdrought.org</p>

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<p>For more detailed information on water conservation technologies and interesting facts, visit:&nbsp;www.nj.gov/dep/watersupply/conserve.htm</p>