NJ declares drought warning as water levels drop, wildfires burn

New Jersey declared a statewide drought warning Wednesday, as water levels dropped throughout the state and several wildfires continued burning.

According to weather officials, the state saw just 0.02 inches of rain in October and about a half-inch the first few days of November, while roughly four inches per month is normal.

“New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions — as a result of climate change — that require us to take these precautionary measures now,” Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement.

The drought warning empowers New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection to closely manage statewide water systems, control releases from reservoirs and change the flow of rivers and streams. The department’s goal will be to balance ecological protection with supporting water suppliers.

New Jersey last declared a drought warning in October 2016. That warning lasted until August 2017 in some parts of the state.

While several fires have been reported throughout the state in the past week, the largest remains the Jennings Creek Fire in Passaic County. That blaze, also crossing the state border into Orange County, N.Y., has burned a total of more than 4,000 acres, according to fire officials. It was about 30% contained as of Wednesday morning.

It would likely take 10 inches of rain statewide for water levels to return to normal, according to officials. However, no such deluge is in the forecast.

“Climate change is driving our record low precipitation and above-average temperature recorded statewide in September and October,” DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said. “This combination of events has resulted in decreased streamflow and groundwater levels, which harms our available water supplies.”

State leaders have asked people to conserve water, because if the situation gets worse, homes and businesses could face mandatory water restrictions. They advised limiting showers to five minutes, letting lawns go dormant, and only running clothes and dishwashers when full, among other suggestions.