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DEP SUSPENDS LAKE LOWERING ACTIVITIES ON LAKE HOPATCONG
DROUGHT EMERGENCY PERSISTS
(02/64) TRENTON – In response to prolonged drought conditions, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced an immediate one-year suspension of all draw-down activities on Lake Hopatcong, Morris County, in an effort to conserve existing water supplies.
"With declining reservoir levels and below average rainfall for the month of July, we must remain vigilant in the conservation of all available water supplies," Campbell said.
"Hot temperatures, combined with spiking residential and commercial water demands reinforce the need to keep the lake at full water storage capacity."
DEP lowers water levels in the lake to protect the dam and lakeshore structures against damage from ice in winter and to allow for shoreline and other structural repairs. All shoreline maintenance currently permitted for work this year is deferred. Conditions will be reevaluated at the end of this one-year suspension. All permits issued in anticipation of the lake lowering will be extended for a one-year period.
Although passing flows may be reduced during drought, no passing flow reductions are anticipated at this time.
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