#USA #New Jersey #water conservation #New Jersey American Water #Drought Warning

New Jersey American Water Provides Essential Water Tips for Summer Drought

As New Jersey transitions into summer with soaring temperatures in the mid-90s, New Jersey American Water is stepping forward to remind residents of the critical need for water conservation amid a drought warning. With the unofficial start of summer on the horizon, the state encourages all its inhabitants to adopt smarter water management practices to ensure sufficient water supply throughout the season.

Mark McDonough, the president of New Jersey American Water, stated, "As we head into the summer months, our customers will spend more time outdoors, leading to increased water usage. Saving water is a collective effort, and simple changes such as reducing outdoor watering and employing efficient irrigation techniques can significantly contribute to preserving our essential water resources."

Despite some recent rains, the state still contends with the remnants of a substantial rain deficit extending back nearly two years. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) continues its drought warning, and as a result, the Mandatory Conservation Notice implemented by New Jersey American Water remains in effect statewide.

Governor Mikie Sherrill echoed the importance of water conservation in light of the persistent drought conditions. She remarked, "Although we have experienced a bit of relief since winter, it is evident that New Jersey has suffered under below-normal precipitation for almost two consecutive years. It is crucial for residents and businesses to diligently conserve water as we move deeper into the spring and summer months, times typically associated with increased demand. I urge everyone to take part in raising awareness about the necessity of water conservation."

To alleviate the pressure on water supplies and to help customers save on their water bills, New Jersey American Water has outlined several practical irrigation and landscaping recommendations:

Upgrade Your Irrigation System

1. Use Smart Controllers: These devices can adjust watering schedules based on current weather conditions.
2. Install Rain Sensors: Prevent needless watering during or after rainfall.
3. Consider Drip Irrigation: This system delivers water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing evaporation and runoff.
4. Regular Maintenance: Inspect and maintain your system, fixing any broken sprinkler heads and checking for leaks or overspray.

Landscape Thoughtfully

1. Plant Drought-Resistant Species: Using native plants that thrive in local climates requires less water.
2. Apply Mulch: Adding 2–3 inches of mulch around plants helps retain moisture and curbs weed growth.
3. Mow Wisely: Keeping grass heights between 2.5 and 3.5 inches boosts drought resilience and reduces water needs.
4. Group Plants by Water Needs: This will help optimize irrigation without overwatering or underwatering specific areas.

Water Smart

1. Water Early or Late: Opt for irrigation in the early dawn or late evening to minimize water loss.
2. Limit Watering Frequency: Most lawns only require watering once or twice a week. Too much can harm your plants.
3. Check Soil Moisture: It’s often best to halt watering once the soil is moist 4–6 inches deep, which is sufficient for healthy root growth.
4. Skip Watering When It Rains: If rain is expected, it’s wise to forego watering altogether.

New Jersey American Water is actively monitoring conditions of water supply while collaborating closely with NJDEP and local authorities. Although operational adjustments are being made to ensure reliable service, conservation remains a pivotal strategy to manage the ongoing drought effectively. Customers wishing to learn more about wise water usage can track their consumption through their MyWater account available at amwater.com/mywater. Furthermore, additional tips and resources are accessible at newjerseyamwater.com/conservation and on NJDEP’s Water Conservation website at dep.nj.gov/conserve-water.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water is a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK) and stands as the state's largest regulated water utility, providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to roughly 3 million residents with the support of 875 dedicated employees. Visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow their social media channels including LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram for more information.