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Little Summer Rain But No Drought Worries In New Jersey...Yet

By David Madden

TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- New Jersey environmental officials insist the state is not, at this point, in danger of going into a drought despite the lack of rain we've had around here lately.
We are, in fact, some four inches below where we should be this summer in terms of precipitation. But it takes more than that to trigger any drought watch or warning.

"Our water supply situation is defined not just by precipitation but by our confined aquifers and our reservoirs," said Dan Kennedy, Assistant Commissioner for water resources management at the state Department of Environmental Protection. "So statewide and regionally, we are still in good position on water supply."

Dan Kennedy
Dan Kennedy, Assistant Commissioner for water resources management at the state Department of Environmental Protection in New Jersey. (credit: NJ DEP)

That's not to suggest there aren't concerns. Some north Jersey communities have asked residents to conserve as a precaution, and Kennedy insists conservation is always a good idea.

While a little rain sooner rather than later would ease those concerns, Kennedy says they're monitoring the situation closely.

"The light's on in the drought room," Kennedy told KYW Newsradio. "So we are certainly considering all the variables to make a sound, scientific based recommendation based on the information we have for New Jersey."

He says decisions made decades ago to improve water storage throughout the state are paying dividends now.

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