In accordance with the Water Supply Management Act, N.J.S.A. 58:1A-1 et seq., and the Water Supply Allocation Rules adopted pursuant thereto, N.J.A.C. 7:19, the Northeast and Coastal North Drought Regions within the State of New Jersey are hereby declared to be in a condition of “Drought Warning.” New Jersey’s Northwest, Southwest and Southeast Coastal drought regions remain in Drought Warning (see Administrative Order 2001-09, by Commissioner Robert C.Shinn, Jr.), while the Central drought region remains in Drought Watch.

Areas under drought warning and drought watch are called on to voluntarily conserve water. (Information on the drought regions is available at www.njdrought.org)

Due to a continued insufficiency of precipitation, continued record low stream flows, low ground water levels and continued declines in reservoir storage levels, the conditions at present warrant this Drought Warning declaration by the Department of Environmental Protection (Department). This action is taken to avert the potential of a more serious water supply situation. This will also alert the public of the need to use water wisely. In accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:19-13.1, the Department held public hearings on the Drought Warning on December 4, 2001 at the Municipal Building in the Town of Westfield, Union County, and on December 5, 2001, in the Town Hall of the Township of Moorestown, Burlington County.

THEREFORE, I HEREBY DIRECT the Administrator of the Water Supply Administration, to take such actions as are necessary, in accordance with the Water Supply Allocation Rules, N.J.A.C. 7:19-11.6, and in coordination with the affected parties, to institute the following reductions in the passing flow requirements and reservoir releases:

Reservoir Releases

Pumped Storage Reservoirs

These reductions in passing flows and any further modification to these passing flows are subject to evaluation of downstream conditions, and maintenance of downstream passing flows and water quality. These reductions in passing flows shall expire March 31, 2002, unless extended or otherwise revised.

I ALSO DIRECT the Administrator of the Water Supply Administration to take such actions as are necessary in preparation for and in support of, the transfer of water from the Central Drought Region into the Northeast Drought Region through the Virginia Street Pump Station.

IN ADDITION, I HEREBY DIRECT the Administrator of the Water Supply Administration to take such actions as are necessary, in accordance with the Water Supply Allocation Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:19-1 et seq.), and in coordination with affected water supply purveyors, for the purveyors to implement their leak detection and repair programs to the fullest extent possible.

The reductions in passing flow requirements and reservoir releases are designed to increase and preserve storage in the reservoir systems. These steps are necessary to preserve the water supply sources of the State in order to meet existing and future demands for potable water, and to reduce the likelihood of a water supply emergency in the future.

I HEREBY DESIGNATE the Administrator of the Water Supply Administration to act on my behalf in the implementation and modification of drought warning requirements as provided under N.J.A.C. 7:19 during the pendency of the drought warning in the identified drought regions.

This order shall take effect immediately.

Date: January 24, 2002
_________________

Robert C. Shinn, Jr.
Acting Commissioner