LONG VALLEY, NJ — Given the drier-than-usual conditions in New Jersey this summer, Washington Township officials are sharing a message from the NJDEP encouraging New Jersey residents and businesses to conserve water.

While these conditions have not had a significant impact on statewide or local drinking water supply indicators, persistently hot and dry conditions may have an adverse effect on water supplies.

Residents and businesses in Long Valley are being asked to take proactive steps to help moderate their water use in order to ensure adequate supplies throughout the summer.

"Now is the time for New Jersey to be especially mindful of water usage and proactively moderate our consumption," Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette said. "Although our reservoirs and other indicators are healthy, persistent hot and dry weather coupled with the high water demands of summer can quickly impact water supply. Simple steps, like reducing lawn and landscape watering, go a long way in preserving our water supplies and avoiding the necessity of significant restrictive measures."

Here are some recommended indoor water conservation measures:

A lack of rain and high temperatures due to the lasting heat wave is currently putting additional strain on the water system.

Additional suggestions from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection include:

Current water demands are met, and New Jersey's water systems can withstand periods of low precipitation, according to the DEP. Reservoir levels are close to long-term averages for this time of year, and groundwater supplies are adequate, with the central and southern parts of the state being drier.

Because local conditions can change, it is common for individual water systems and municipalities to request that their customers reduce their water use on a regular basis.

Morris County is currently classified as Abnormally Dry by the US Drought Monitor, which defines drought more broadly than the DEP. This means crop growth is halted, planting is postponed, there is a greater risk of fire, and lawns and gardens begin to wilt.

The DEP will continue to closely monitor water supplies and will advise the public, local governments, and water systems as needed, officials said.

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