RHA: Take steps now to conserve water as state issues drought watch

 
BEDMINSTER, N.J. - Sept. 23, 2015 - PRLog -- Bedminster, New Jersey — Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) recommends the following measures in light of today’s drought watch issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for all or part of 12 counties throughout the north and central parts of the state:


Operate dishwashers/laundry machines only when fully loaded.  Use ‘light wash’ feature if available.


Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.


Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.


Take a more conservative approach to landscaping, e.g. using native grasses and installing rain gardens.


Avoid over-watering lawns and water only when needed. If your lawn does require watering, do so early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.


Turn off the tape while brushing your teeth or soaping up your hands.


Try to limit showers to 5 minutes.

“These recommendations not only help to save water in times of drought, but at all times.  Protecting the water sources of the North and South branches of the Raritan River, one of the state’s most important drinking water sources, is a must for the 400,000 people living in the

watershed area and beyond,” said Raritan Headwaters Executive Director Cindy Ehrenclou.

The DEP on Wednesday, Sept. 23, issued the drought watch due to lower rainfall and warmer- than-average temperatures. The affected counties include all of those in the Raritan Watershed, including Morris, Hunterdon and Somerset Counties.

According to the DEP, in addition to seeing lower reservoir levels, stream flows and ground water levels are also under stress.

For more information, visit www.raritanheadwaters.org

About Raritan Headwaters Association

For 56 years, the South Branch and Upper Raritan Watershed Associations served as effective advocates for conservation throughout the 39 communities in Hunterdon, Morris, and Somerset Counties that make up the Raritan Headwaters region.  The merger of these two organizations in late 2011 strengthens their ability to address today’s water quality issues and meet the enormous challenges to protect and provide clean drinking water for future generations.  The 470-square-mile watershed is home to approximately 400,000 people, is a vital component of New Jersey’s water supply system, and contains large areas of undeveloped, environmentally significant land.  To learn more about the Raritan Headwaters Association, please visit www.raritanheadwaters.org or call (908) 234-1852.

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