Statewide Mandatory Conservation Notice

MURPHY ADMINISTRATION ISSUES STATEWIDE DROUGHT WARNING,

URGES PUBLIC AND BUSINESSES TO REDUCE WATER USE

DIRECTIVE ACTIVATES DEP AUTHORITY TO CLOSELY MANAGE WATER SUPPLIES

The BBMUA urges customers to conserve water as New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issues Drought Warning

CAMDEN, N.J. – DEC. 5, 2025 – Following the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP)’s issuance of a Drought Warning today, the Borough of Buena Municipal Utilities has issued a mandatory conservation notice for all customers. The BBMUA requests that customers limit all nonessential water usage by conserving as much water as possible indoors.

In October, the NJ DEP issued a Drought Watch following a prolonged period of low precipitation. The Watch was upgraded to a Warning today, following a public hearing yesterday to gauge the severity of water supply concerns.

“The precipitation and water supply uncertainty we’ve experienced over the past year is a symptom of the impacts of climate change here in New Jersey,” said Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “We ask residents, businesses, and partners in local government to join us in spreading the urgency of the need to conserve water.”

As a result of this public hearing and escalation, the BBMUA is urging customers to limit all non-essential water use and providing the following guidelines below:

Winter Water Conservation Tips

The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use: 

• Winterize, and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible. 
• Insulate exposed outdoor pipes and hose connections.
• Check pipes for leaks after any thaws, as changing temperatures can cause pipes to break.
• Learn the locations of your home’s water valves to be able to shut off water during emergencies like a burst pipe.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, as washing your car at home typically results in more water use. 
• Compost vegetable food waste instead of using the garbage disposal.
• Keep your outdoor jacuzzi or spa covered to prevent evaporation.
• To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes. Consider replacing your toilet with a low-flow version; this can save around 11,000 gallons per year. 
• Upgrade your showerhead to low-flow versions, which can save some 7,700 gallons per year. 
• Upgrade your faucets or install faucet aerators; this can save some 16,000 gallons per year. 
• Use native plants when planning your spring and summer gardens.
• When buying grass seed, choose drought-tolerant grasses, such as fine-leaf fescues.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes in the sink.
• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.
• Take shorter showers. Try to shower in five minutes or less.
• Consider water and energy-efficient appliances.Products and services that have earned the US EPA WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance.

 Resources

For more state water supply status information and to view the Administrative Order, visit njdrought.org 

For more detailed information on water conservation technologies and interesting facts, visit dep.nj.gov/conserve-water/ 

For more information on water efficient appliances, visit dep.nj.gov/appliancestandards