#United States #Camden #water conservation #New Jersey American Water #Drought Warning

New Jersey American Water Calls for Water Conservation

In light of the Drought Warning announced by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), New Jersey American Water has issued a statewide mandate for customers to conserve water. This urgent call for conservation aims to address ongoing water supply concerns driven by a prolonged period of low precipitation.

The Current Situation

The NJ DEP escalated its water conservation efforts from a Drought Watch to a formal Drought Warning, highlighting the seriousness of the water supply situation. In an official statement, Ben Morris, Vice President of Operations at New Jersey American Water, emphasized the significance of individual actions, stating, “Water is our most precious resource, and during times like these, every drop counts.” The call to action comes as residents and businesses alike are urged to reduce non-essential water consumption, thereby protecting vital water supplies.

The Impact of Climate Change

Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette attributed the current water supply uncertainties to the impacts of climate change in New Jersey. He urged collaboration among state officials, local governments, and the community to emphasize the urgency for conservation. “We ask residents, businesses, and partners in local government to join us in spreading the urgency of the need to conserve water,” he said, reflecting on the collective responsibility to manage the state's water resources effectively.

Guidelines for Indoor Water Conservation

To mitigate water use during this critical period, New Jersey American Water has released specific guidelines for indoor conservation:

1. Turn Off the Tap: Avoid running water unnecessarily while brushing teeth, shaving, or doing dishes.
2. Run Appliances Wisely: Only operate dishwashers and washing machines when they are full. Utilize water-saver cycles if available.
3. Shorten Showers: Limit shower time to five minutes or less to significantly reduce water use.
4. Fix Leaks: Regularly check for leaks in pipes, toilets, and hoses. New Jersey American Water offers a Leak Detection Kit on their website to assist customers.
5. Insulate Pipes: Insulate exposed water pipes to reduce waste while waiting for water to heat up.
6. Choose Efficient Appliances: Invest in water-efficient appliances certified by the US EPA WaterSense label to maximize savings without sacrificing performance.

Morris noted that these small but impactful actions not only protect water supplies but can also lower customers' water bills. For those facing financial challenges, New Jersey American Water has various assistance programs available to support customers struggling to manage costs during this critical period.

Monitoring and Future Steps

New Jersey American Water is closely collaborating with its operation centers to monitor supply levels and shifts between water sources to maintain service. While they currently do not foresee a severe threat to the water supply, the company's conservation notice prioritizes protective measures to prevent a more serious drought situation.

Online Resources for Customers

Customers can track their water usage and find additional conservation tips through their MyWater account. For further assistance, more information regarding indoor and outdoor water-saving practices is available on the New Jersey American Water and NJ DEP websites.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water is the largest regulated water utility in the state, serving approximately 2.9 million people with reliable and safe water and wastewater services. As state conditions evolve, the company remains committed to delivering quality service while encouraging responsible water use. For updates and more information, visit New Jersey American Water.

In sum, residents are urged to follow the conservation guidelines outlined to help navigate the challenges posed by drought conditions effectively.

Together, every small action can lead to substantial savings of this essential resource.