Gov. James McGreevey declared a water emergency for the state in an executive order signed Monday following the driest February in New Jersey records.
New Jersey's average precipitation levels have been below normal during 15 of the past 17 months, said New Jersey climatologist David Robinson.
During that time, total precipitation was 17 inches, or 25 percent below normal. Only 5.32 inches of rain fell in the state during the last three months — about half the normal amount.
"The continued lack of precipitation has left our reservoirs and surface waters at record low levels," said N.J. environmental protection commissioner Bradley Campbell.
"Our winter has been milder than usual, an with little rain or snow to replenish our water, we are counting on the entire state to help reduce water consumption," he said.
Under a drought emergency, the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection can implement mandatory water restrictions for specific regions in the state.
McGreevey encourages residents and businesses to continue voluntary conservation until state officials decide what restrictions to impose.
"It is no longer an option. It is an absolute necessity," McGreevey said of the forthcoming implementation of water use restrictions.
The DEP had issued a drought warning on Jan. 24, but voluntary measures were unsuccessful in curtailing water use, prompting the department to upgrade the conditions to a water emergency on Tuesday.
Central New Jersey — the region in which Princeton is located — has not been hit as hard as northern New Jersey by the drought, partly because of the 1960s expansion of the water system in central New Jersey.
Water utilities have been pushing for a regional approach in issuing a drought emergency because the water crisis in the area is not as severe as in other parts of the state.
Before the executive order was signed, central New Jersey was not in a drought warning but a lower grade drought watch.
The water limitations will vary somewhat according to region.
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