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

While these conditions have not yet 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.

According to the National Weather Service, New Jersey's drought levels are unlikely to improve in the coming weeks and may worsen due to the lack of rain expected.

Residents and businesses in Mendham are being asked to take proactive steps to help moderate their water use in order to ensure adequate supplies throughout the remainder of 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."If residents and businesses do all they can to reduce water demand, together we can ensure ample supplies in the coming weeks and months."

Last week, the state of New Jersey issued an official drought watch. The drought watch is the first stage of New Jersey's three-stage drought advisory system. This means that if the situation does not improve, the state may be forced to impose water restrictions.

The most recent drought map, released on Thursday, shows that a growing portion of New Jersey is experiencing "severe drought" conditions, with portions of Morris County included.

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.

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:

The US Drought Monitor, which defines drought more broadly than the DEP, currently classifies Morris County as mostly "abnormally dry," with some areas in the "severe drought" range. 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.

"If conditions do not improve, declaration of a drought warning or a drought emergency with mandatory water use restrictions may become necessary. Voluntary conservation measures during a Drought Watch can help to avoid more serious and restrictive drought conditions," Mendham officials said.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.