U.S. Water News Online
TRENTON, N.J. -- Don't call off the drought just yet.
``In the short term, we're OK,'' state climatologist Dave Robinson said. ``But in the long term it would be prudent to wait to pronounce the drought dead and over.''
A recent nor'easter dumped more than 2 inches of precipitation on some parts of the state and as little as a quarter-inch on others -- all of it less than predicted, but enough to spur state Department Environmental Protection officials to take a new look at statewide limits on water use.
``It had an impact,'' spokeswoman Elaine Makatura said. The highest totals were recorded in the state's northwest quadrant. South Jersey, continuing a yearlong trend, received the least.
Makatura said officials will assess reservoir and groundwater levels and stream flow to decide if restrictions put on residents can be eased.
In late summer, the state reimposed bans on watering lawns and washing motor vehicles that were first put in place earlier in the year after record-low precipitation levels sounded the drought alarm.
While the entire state could do with more precipitation, Robinson said, ``We're chipping away.''
The rains of September and October have been beneficial, he said, with each of the state's three regions already topping the normal average for the current month.
Still, Robinson said, officials should remain wary about easing restrictions.
``The last six weeks doesn't tell the whole story,'' he said.
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