Trenton Water Works Issues Mandatory Water Conservation Notice

Trenton Water Works (TWW) issued a mandatory water conservation notice on November 14th, asking all customers and service-area residents to limit all nonessential water usage as New Jersey continues to experience historically low precipitation, above-average temperatures, and deteriorating water supply conditions.

TWW's raw water source is the Delaware River.

"On November 13, 2024, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought warning to preserve and balance available water supplies to prevent a more serious shortage of water," said Michael Walker, Chief of Communications and Public Outreach for the city's Department of Water and Sewer, which operates Trenton Water Works. "So, we are asking all customers and service-area residents to eliminate all nonessential water use until the state rescinds the conservation notice."

Some outdoor water conversation guidelines include:

• Pausing the watering of outdoor plants.
• Winterizing your home's irrigation system.
• Washing your car at a commercial car wash because they use recycled water.

Indoor guidelines include:

• Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Running appliances such as dishwashers and clothes washers only when at full capacity.
• Taking shorter showers.

"Following these guidelines can make a huge difference in our overall water supply," Walker added. "TWW will continue to monitor Delaware River water levels, including the Pennington Avenue Reservoir, and recommendations from state agencies during this period of drought."

FYI, State imposed mandatory restrictions are not in place at this time.  Trenton Water Works, our local water supplier, has placed the mandatory restrictions noted above.  The State of New Jersey may only impose mandatory restrictions following a water emergency declaration by the governor. Restrictions are imposed through an Administrative Order signed by the DEP commissioner. When this happens, many agencies of the State coordinate to alert affected municipal/county governments, State and local police, and emergency management officials. Press releases are issued so that the media can inform the public as quickly as possible. The Department’s drought web site www.njdrought.org is also updated with current information and will list the municipalities where State-ordered restrictions may apply. This web site will also provide information when (and where) voluntary restrictions are being requested.

Today's rain will not erase weeks or months of below-average precipitation when drought conditions are present.  In fact, it may take several significant storms or several months of more typical rainfall to reverse a precipitation deficit that developed over a long period of time. Every effort to conserve water stretches existing supplies and may avert a water emergency and the need to impose mandatory water use restrictions later. Moreover, we can all chip in to reduce the amount of water that is used every day. Increasing amounts of drinking water supplies are used outside our homes and offices from June through September for landscape watering and other “non-essential” uses. Overwatering of lawns and other greenery unnecessarily consumes millions of gallons of fresh water daily. Recognizing that irrigation is meant as a substitute to natural rainfall, there is no need to water after even a fairly moderate rainfall. For tips on how you can save water with relatively little effort or sacrifice, see our Water Conservation and Water Conservation Tips webpages as well as the DEP's Drought website recommendations.

Everyone is encouraged to use water wisely regardless of statewide water supply status.