By: centraljersey.com
While the state Department of Environmental Protection declared a drought watch almost two weeks ago, area towns have yet to institute restrictions on water usage.
The DEP expanded the watch from the north to the rest of the state Sept. 8 due to high temperatures, high demand for water and a lack of significant rainfall. While the watch does not require anyone to use less water, it does recommend voluntary conservation.
"What the entire state really needs is several days of heavy, soaking rain. But until we get some weather relief, we’re asking all state residents to join in an effort to preserve our precious water supply, to more carefully use water and voluntarily reduce unessential use," DEP Commissioner Bob Martin said when he issued the statewide watch.
In Montgomery on Thursday, the Township Committee unanimously approved a resolution supporting the DEP’s declaration. It cites reports three township residential wells had run dry and warns "continued hot and dry conditions could put additional wells at risk of running dry."
The resolution calls on residents to voluntarily curtail activities like watering lawns and gardens and washing cars or paved areas. It also asks residents to run dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full and to fix any leaky faucets and pipes.
"This is one of the hardest-hit places in the state," said Township Administrator Donato Nieman.
In Princeton Borough and Princeton Township, officials say they have not instituted any water instructions, but they will continue to monitor the situation.
Richard G. Barnes, external affairs manager of New Jersey American Water, said the company has asked customers to limit water usage in Monmouth and Ocean counties, but not in Mercer and Middlesex.
"New Jersey American Water has not asked its customers to reduce its water usage in that area, but as always, we encourage users to use water wisely," he said.
Mr. Barnes said NJ American Water asks for limits after seeing excessive demand and extended periods of dry weather, which is what happened in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
West Windsor is one of the townships New Jersey American Water covers. Township Administrator Robert Hary said the township has not placed any restrictions of its own.
For more information on drought conditions throughout the state, visit www.njdrought.org. [email protected] [email protected]

