Some of the largest reservoirs in New Jersey are facing significantly lower water levels compared to historical averages, raising concerns for the 900,000 residents and businesses they serve.
Veolia's Hackensack River reservoirs—Oradell, Woodcliff Lake, and Lake Tappan—are at just 58% capacity, down from 95% this time last year.
Similarly, the Wanaque and Monksville reservoirs, operated by the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, are at a combined 52%, well below the usual 67% for late November.
These critical water systems supply municipalities from Alpine to Newark, underscoring the growing urgency to address drought conditions in the region.
The state may see some rain as this week goes on, but the broader drought conditions are worth watching as November ticks into December.
Given the current low reservoir levels in New Jersey, water treatment operators should implement proactive strategies to ensure sustainable water supply, efficient treatment, and resource management. Here’s how these conditions could impact operations and resource management:
Optimize Treatment Processes: When water levels drop, quality often takes a hit. Lower reservoirs mean higher sediment loads and concentrated contaminants, making treatment more challenging. Operators must fine-tune coagulation, filtration, and disinfection processes to handle increased turbidity and tackle taste or odor issues.
Real-time data systems and enhanced monitoring are no longer luxuries; they’re essentials. Staying ahead of water quality fluctuations ensures compliance and keeps communities safe, even under these strained conditions.
Promote Water Conservation: With reservoirs shrinking, conservation is the name of the game. Collaborate with local municipalities to launch public awareness campaigns that highlight the urgency. Encourage reduced non-essential water use, such as lawn watering, car washing, and filling swimming pools.
Simple conservation measures can stretch resources significantly, buying reservoirs the time they need to stabilize. And don’t underestimate public engagement—clear, actionable messaging often yields meaningful reductions in usage.
Strengthen Resource Management: This is where foresight and coordination come into play. Diversifying water sources, reallocating supplies, and forming partnerships with regional utilities can help balance demand against dwindling reservoirs.
Operators should also revisit and update drought contingency plans to account for potential worst-case scenarios. These plans must address not just immediate supply challenges but also longer-term resilience as climate pressures continue to mount.
By focusing on these priorities, operators can navigate current challenges while safeguarding water supply and quality for the communities they serve.
