N.J. Water Restrictions Remain In Effect Despite Rain
HOBOKEN, NJ (WCBS 880/AP) - Even with all the rain the last few days, water restrictions remain in effect in Hudson and Bergen counties.
LISTEN: WCBS 880's Levon Putney reports
"We had actually been contemplating the need to go drought warning possibly in the future. I think that pushes that back somewhat at this time," New Jersey State Department of Environmental Research scientist Steve Doughty tells WCBS 880 reporter Levon Putney.
United Water spokesman Rich Henning says, however, that they may soon lift restrictions.
"These last three days have really been really beneficial for us. We've probably seen close to about two billion gallons flow into our reservoirs," says Henning.
He says the reservoir is at 72 percent capacity compared to 42 percent on Saturday.
Climatologists at a drought hearing think the worst may be behind us.
In the wake of a hot, dry summer, the state issued a drought watch on Aug. 5 for Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Morris and Essex counties.
Environmental Protection Department scientist Steve Doughty says the water supply division would likely recommend keeping the watch in place. But the scientist doesn't believe mandatory restrictions imposed by a warning would be needed.
