Despite increased rainfall totals in the past several weeks, Mercer County and New Jersey remain in a drought emergency.
During the past 30 days there has been a two-inch surplus of rain in Mercer County, which is 162 percent more rain than normal, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. However, during the past year, there has been a 5.9-inch deficit of rain, amounting to only 87 percent of the normal rainfall.
Gov. James McGreevey initially declared a state of emergency on March 4 after several consecutive months of below normal rainfall. Thirty-five of the past 49 months have experienced below normal rainfall, according to McGreevey's September executive order.
The drought condition continued throughout the summer and into fall, with eight of the past 12 months experiencing rainfall levels significantly below normal, according to the the NJDEP website.
October's surplus alleviated the severity of the drought, but groundwater levels remain below normal.
With the recent rainfall, NJDEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell announced revisions to the current drought restrictions, which went into effect Oct. 24.
Though many restrictions will stay in effect, there are increased allowances for water use.
"Given the recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, we are easing restrictions to help homeowners and to reduce the economic impacts of the drought," Campbell said in a statement.
"By no means should this action mislead people to think that the drought emergency is over. Water conservation continues to be of the utmost importance to ensure sufficient water supplies are available throughout the upcoming months."
The restriction on washing personal vehicles has been eased and is allowed on weekends only. Outdoor lawn watering will be allowed every other day on an even-odd basis. This means houses with even-numbered addresses may water their lawns on even-numbered calendar days, while odd-numbered addresses may water on odd days.
However, many restrictions still remain. Water can only be served in restaurants, clubs or other eating establishments if requested by the patron.
Also, watering of flowers and vegetation can only occur between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. or 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. The duration of watering is limited to 20 minutes per zone. Filling fountains is still prohibited.
The state will continue to assess the water situation and will make other recommendations as warranted, McGreevey said.
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