New Jersey American Water Provides Tips for Planning a Water-Smart Landscape as New Jersey Drought Warning Remains in Effect
CAMDEN, N.J. – APRIL 28, 2025 – As temperatures rise and homeowners prepare their yards for spring, New Jersey American Water is reminding customers that smart irrigation and landscaping practices are essential for conserving water, especially as New Jersey remains under a drought warning.
“After months of dry conditions, it’s more important than ever to use water wisely, especially as the weather begins to warm,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “We’re asking our customers to limit outdoor watering to no more than twice per week—or even less if it rains—and to follow smart irrigation practices that can make a big difference in preserving our shared water resources.”
Despite recent precipitation, the state is still recovering from a significant rain deficit from late last summer that continued into winter. In response to the ongoing drought warning issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), New Jersey American Water’s Mandatory Conservation Notice remains in effect statewide.
“When each New Jersey resident and business does their part to conserve water today, we can ensure a strong water supply is available throughout the warm months ahead," said Shawn M. LaTourette, New Jersey's Commissioner of Environmental Protection. “Using water wisely this spring, especially by limiting outdoor water use, will help maintain water supply reliability through times of stress. Let's work together to use our water responsibly.”
To help alleviate stress on water sources and infrastructure, New Jersey American Water offers the following smart irrigation and landscaping tips:
Upgrade Your Irrigation System:
- Use smart controllers: These devices automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions.
- Install rain sensors: Prevent unnecessary watering during or after rainfall.
- Consider drip irrigation: This system delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.
- Inspect and maintain regularly: Fix broken sprinkler heads and check for leaks or overspray.
Landscape Thoughtfully:
- Plant drought-resistant and native species: These plants require less water and thrive in local conditions.
- Mulch matters: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
- Mow wisely: Keep grass height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches to improve drought resistance and reduce water needs.
- Group plants with similar water needs: This helps avoid overwatering or underwatering certain areas.
Water Smart:
- Water early or late: Irrigate in the early morning or late evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.
- Water two times per week at a maximum: Most lawns only need watering once or twice a week, and watering more frequently can harm your plants.
- Check soil moisture: Stop watering when the soil is moist 4–6 inches deep. This is typically enough for healthy root growth.
- Turn it off when it rains: If rain is in the forecast, skip the watering day altogether.
New Jersey American Water continues to monitor water supply conditions and is working closely with NJDEP and local authorities. The company has implemented operational adjustments to maintain service reliability, but conservation remains a critical part of managing the ongoing drought. Customers can learn more about wise water use and track their usage by logging into their MyWater account at newjerseyamwater.com. Additional tips and tools are also available at newjerseyamwater.com/conservation and on NJDEP’s Water Conservation website at dep.nj.gov/conserve-water.
Media Contacts
CAMDEN, N.J. – APRIL 28, 2025 – As temperatures rise and homeowners prepare their yards for spring, New Jersey American Water is reminding customers that smart irrigation and landscaping practices are essential for conserving water, especially as New Jersey remains under a drought warning.
“After months of dry conditions, it’s more important than ever to use water wisely, especially as the weather begins to warm,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “We’re asking our customers to limit outdoor watering to no more than twice per week—or even less if it rains—and to follow smart irrigation practices that can make a big difference in preserving our shared water resources.”
Despite recent precipitation, the state is still recovering from a significant rain deficit from late last summer that continued into winter. In response to the ongoing drought warning issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), New Jersey American Water’s Mandatory Conservation Notice remains in effect statewide.
“When each New Jersey resident and business does their part to conserve water today, we can ensure a strong water supply is available throughout the warm months ahead," said Shawn M. LaTourette, New Jersey's Commissioner of Environmental Protection. “Using water wisely this spring, especially by limiting outdoor water use, will help maintain water supply reliability through times of stress. Let's work together to use our water responsibly.”
To help alleviate stress on water sources and infrastructure, New Jersey American Water offers the following smart irrigation and landscaping tips:
Upgrade Your Irrigation System:
- Use smart controllers: These devices automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions.
- Install rain sensors: Prevent unnecessary watering during or after rainfall.
- Consider drip irrigation: This system delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.
- Inspect and maintain regularly: Fix broken sprinkler heads and check for leaks or overspray.
Landscape Thoughtfully:
- Plant drought-resistant and native species: These plants require less water and thrive in local conditions.
- Mulch matters: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
- Mow wisely: Keep grass height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches to improve drought resistance and reduce water needs.
- Group plants with similar water needs: This helps avoid overwatering or underwatering certain areas.
Water Smart:
- Water early or late: Irrigate in the early morning or late evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.
- Water two times per week at a maximum: Most lawns only need watering once or twice a week, and watering more frequently can harm your plants.
- Check soil moisture: Stop watering when the soil is moist 4–6 inches deep. This is typically enough for healthy root growth.
- Turn it off when it rains: If rain is in the forecast, skip the watering day altogether.
New Jersey American Water continues to monitor water supply conditions and is working closely with NJDEP and local authorities. The company has implemented operational adjustments to maintain service reliability, but conservation remains a critical part of managing the ongoing drought. Customers can learn more about wise water use and track their usage by logging into their MyWater account at newjerseyamwater.com. Additional tips and tools are also available at newjerseyamwater.com/conservation and on NJDEP’s Water Conservation website at dep.nj.gov/conserve-water.