New Jersey officials have continued the state’s drought warning status, even in the face of recent precipitation, with water levels at reservoirs across the state remaining at historically low levels.
The low water level at the Brick Township Reservoir, owned by the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority, is evident to anyone who walks along the pathway surrounding the man-made body of water, with the reservoir’s rocky breakwater exposed to levels rarely visible and fall leaves creating a “border” in the dry sand. (Note: If the embedded video does not appear above this story, disable ad blocking software to play.)
Dry conditions at the Brick Township Reservoir, Dec. 1, 2024. (Credit: John Barrett)
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Dry conditions at the Brick Township Reservoir, Dec. 1, 2024. (Credit: John Barrett)
The depth of the water in the Brick reservoir, which draws water from the Metedeconk River by way of a 4.7-mile pipeline and pumping system that runs underground across town, is normally 90-feet. The exact level of the Brick reservoir is not published as part of the state’s continuously-updated statistics, however, as it is privately owned by the MUA instead of a state-owned authority. The local reservoir is expected to generally track alongside others, though its unique pumping system allows it to be maintained to a healthier extent than some others of its kind, including the nearby Manasquan Reservoir.
“Recent rain and snowfall statewide have generally helped the water supply conditions across New Jersey, but the accumulations were not enough to change current water supply conditions and New Jersey remains in drought warning,” the state Department of Environmental Protection said. “While fire restrictions have been lifted statewide, the public is strongly urged to continue voluntary water conservation practices.”
Dry conditions at the Brick Township Reservoir, Dec. 1, 2024. (Credit: John Barrett)
Dry conditions at the Brick Township Reservoir, Dec. 1, 2024. (Credit: John Barrett)
The DEP said, over the last week, southern New Jersey received between 1 and 1.5 inches of precipitation, while North Jersey received 1.5 to 2.5 inches.
According to the state’s most recent data, the “coastal north” section of the state, which includes the northern portion of Ocean County, reservoirs in the region are about 65 percent filled. This contrasts with a norm of 87 percent full during the month of November. Last year at the same time, reservoirs were filled to a level slightly higher than normal, eclipsing 90 percent in some circumstances. By mid-January of 2024, levels hovered near 100 percent capacity.
Dry conditions at the Brick Township Reservoir, Dec. 1, 2024. (Credit: John Barrett)
Dry conditions at the Brick Township Reservoir, Dec. 1, 2024. (Credit: John Barrett)
From Sept. 1, 2024 through Dec. 1, 2024, Ocean County has received 3.6 inches of precipitation, according to data from the National Weather Service. This is 7.1 inches below normal.
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