On October 1, 2025, the Murphy Administration placed New Jersey under a Drought Watch. The announcement asks residents and businesses to voluntarily save water, following a long stretch of below-average rainfall that is straining streams, reservoirs, and groundwater.
This action comes less than three months after a Drought Warning was lifted in June, which had been issued the previous November after one of the driest fall and winter seasons on record.
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said the past year showed “extreme weather variability that is consistent with a changing climate.” He explained that after record dry conditions in late 2023, the state saw heavy rainfall in May 2024 and even flash floods in July, but dry weather returned during late summer and early fall, once again putting water supplies under stress.
- New Jersey has entered a statewide Drought Watch due to prolonged below-average rainfall, less than three months after lifting a previous Drought Warning.
- Water levels are critically low, with groundwater across the entire state rated as “Severely Dry,” and reservoirs in the Northeast and Coastal North regions showing stress.
- Officials warn that if voluntary conservation is not effective and conditions worsen, a Drought Warning or Emergency could be declared, leading to mandatory restrictions.
Precipitation Deficits and Water Supply Impacts
Over the last 90 days, rainfall has been one to six inches below normal across the state. Ten of the past 12 months have brought less rain than average, while temperatures have mostly been higher than normal.
According to State Climatologist David Robinson, the combination of a dry summer and fall with a year of overall low precipitation has raised serious water concerns.
The Department of Environmental Protection reports:
- Precipitation during the past 90 days ranged from Moderately Dry to Severely Dry.
- Stream flows across New Jersey are also Moderately to Severely Dry.
- Reservoirs in the Northeast and Coastal North regions are considered Moderately Dry.
- Groundwater statewide is rated Severely Dry.
- In the Coastal South, rainfall was near normal, but groundwater recovery has been unusually slow.
New Jersey had already been placed under a Drought Watch on October 17, 2023, after another dry summer. A Drought Warning followed in November 2023, as storage levels in reservoirs continued to drop. Conditions improved in the spring of 2024, leading the DEP to lift the warning on June 11, though the Coastal South region remained under a Watch.
Climate Change and the Challenge of Water Management
The 2024 Statewide Water Supply Plan outlines how climate change is altering rainfall patterns. New Jersey has increasingly seen short, intense rainstorms followed by extended dry stretches, making it harder for water systems to balance supply during drought.
The DEP continues to track indicators such as precipitation totals, reservoir levels, stream flows, groundwater readings, and demand for water. Depending on how these conditions evolve, officials may impose stricter measures. Municipalities or local water utilities also have the authority to apply additional restrictions based on their own supplies.
Conservation Guidance for Residents and Businesses
The DEP is strongly encouraging voluntary water conservation. Officials note that with shorter days and cooler weather in the fall, outdoor watering needs naturally decline.
Recommendations include:
- Delay projects like lawn reseeding or heavy irrigation until conditions improve.
- Reset sprinkler timers or automatic watering systems to avoid unnecessary use.
- Use commercial car washes, which recycle water and operate more efficiently than washing at home.
To support conservation, the DEP provides a Conserve Water Toolkit with infographics, fliers, videos, and social media materials that communities and agencies can share. A FAQ for private well owners is also available to help those who rely directly on groundwater.
