A mandatory water conservation notice was announced by Trenton Water Works (TWW) in an effort to limit nonessential water usage as New Jersey faces a lack of rainfall and worsening water storage conditions.
The notice which was issued last week impacts Hopewell Township residents who receive water from TWW. TWW asked in its notice that all customers and service-area residents stop nonessential water use.
The TWW system provides water to more than 200,000 residents in Trenton, parts of Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township, Ewing and Hamilton. As a water utility, it treats and provides drinking water from water taken out of the Delaware River.
The utility has a 683-mile water distribution system and is owned by the city of Trenton.
“On Nov. 13, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a drought warning to preserve and balance available water supplies to prevent a more serious shortage of water,” said Michael Walker, chief of communications and public outreach for the city’s Department of Water and Sewer, which operates Trenton Water Works.
“So, we are asking all customers and service-area residents to eliminate all nonessential water use until the state rescinds the conservation notice.”
When it comes to outdoor water conservation TWW is recommending service-area residents to pause watering outdoor plants, winterizing their home’s irrigation system, and washing one’s car at a car wash facility. Car washes use recycled water.
For indoor water conservation, take shorter showers, turn off the tap when brushing one’s teeth, and only run dishwashers and clothes washers when they are full.
With New Jersey facing a significant increase in wildfires, low precipitation, and worsening water supply conditions, state officials had issued a drought warning this month.
The state since the beginning of October has seen the New Jersey Forest Fire Service respond to 537 wildfires, which according to officials is a 1,300% increase from last year over the same time period that has resulted in the burning of more than 11,000 acres.
Gov. Phil Murphy said that the state was experiencing unprecedented weather conditions as a result of climate change requiring New Jersey to take precautionary measures now.
He added, “It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide.”
Officials have noted that major reservoir systems in the state are below their normal water levels for this time of year. Those reservoir systems may need transfers of water through interconnected infrastructure to balance storage.
According to the state, the central region which they say is predominantly served by New Jersey Water Supply Authority’s Raritan Basin reservoirs has seen a drop in the levels to 81% capacity. The normal storage level is at 89% during this time period.
