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Camden County Under Drought Watch

Residents urged to conserve water

Camden County is officially under a drought watch, according to the Camden County Office of Emergency Management. News of the watch came Thursday as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued an expanded drought watch for the entire state.
 
Residents are asked to voluntarily conserve water due to continued hot and dry conditions that have persisted all summer and are taxing reservoir, stream and groundwater levels.
 
“It is important that, in these extremely dry weather conditions, residents be extra mindful of their water usage,” said Freeholder Rodney Greco, liaison to the Camden County Office of Emergency Management. “While this is not a drought warning, which would make cutbacks mandatory, residents should still try to reduce their usage wherever possible and eliminate any unnecessary use, such as over-watering your lawn. Also, make sure you properly dispose of cigarettes, as drought conditions also increase the chance of brush fires.”
 
Conservation tips include: not over-watering lawns and landscaping. Two times per week for 30 minutes in the morning or late evening is sufficient; cut back on at-home car washing; use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs; turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving; run washing machines and dishwashers only when full; and fix leaky faucets and pipes.
 
The drought watch is the result of record high temperatures and water demands, combined with near-record precipitation lows. Several days of heavy, soaking rain are needed to eliminate the drought, and it does not appear that relief is in the immediate future. The state has had no significant rainfall for several weeks.
 
Visit www.camdencounty.comfor more information and for updates from the Camden County Office of Emergency Management.