The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued Administrative Order 2024-15 declaring a statewide Drought Warning in response to severe water supply conditions. This Order, signed by Commissioner Shawn LaTourette on November 13, 2024, comes after five months of below-average precipitation, record-high temperatures, and deteriorating water supply indicators across the state.
The Order grants the DEP expanded authority to manage water resources, including modifications to reservoir releases and passing flow requirements at key locations throughout the state. Specific changes include reduced water releases at facilities like the Wanaque River, Boonton at Rockaway River, and Spruce Run Reservoir, with precise flow adjustments detailed in the Order. These modifications aim to preserve water storage and minimize the risk of a more severe water supply emergency.
Water providers across the state must now implement several mandatory measures, including leak detection programs, repair of water supply interconnections, and potential water transfers between regions. The NJDEP's Division of Water Supply and Geoscience Director has been authorized to coordinate these efforts, including facilitating water transfers between the Central and Northeast regions via the Virginia Street Interconnection/Pump Station. The Order will remain in effect until water supply indicators show sufficient improvement, as determined by the Director.
The Order does not mandate water conservation efforts from public consumers, but such efforts are strongly encouraged. For more state water supply status information, visit the NJDEP Drought Information webpage.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.