MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Officials in Mercer County have asked residents and businesses to reduce water use, as the state was placed under drought watch on Tuesday.

This is the first step in the state's three-stage drought advisory system.

According to data issued by the National Integrated Drought Information System, Mercer County is now in moderate drought. This means hay and grain yields are lower than usual, and honey production will decline. Fires are also more likely to start, given the dry ground.

"During a drought watch, residents are asked to voluntarily conserve water to lessen the stress on our water systems," county officials said in a Facebook post.

Residents have been asked to reduce watering their lawns, washing their vehicles, and "cutting back nonessential uses such as hosing off driveways and sidewalks."

New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette issued the drought watch on Tuesday.

"Stream flow and ground water levels are falling below normal for most of the state and some reservoirs are showing steep rates of decline as hot and dry conditions continue," LaTourette said in a news release.

"While water conservation is always important, it becomes critical during prolonged dry and hot periods like New Jersey has been experiencing. If residents and businesses do all they can to reduce water demand, together we can ensure ample supplies in the coming weeks and months."

If conditions do not improve, the state may have to mandate water restrictions. The state last declared a drought warning in 2016.

Here are some tips on conserving water from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection

(With reporting from Michelle Rotuno-Johnson)

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