The State We're In

Jun 26, 2026

By Alison Mitchell, Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation

As the most densely populated state in the country, New Jersey is constantly balancing a large population and significant industry with a finite water supply. And that balance is becoming harder to maintain.

It’s early in the summer and we are currently under a drought “warning,” with state officials urging the public to conserve water. Monmouth and Ocean counties were issued mandatory water restrictions this week, projected to remain in effect until September.

Water expert Andy Kricun puts it plainly: as climate changes worsen and demand rises, increased drought conditions will continue to affect our drinking water very heavily. Kricun is co-chair of Jersey Water Works, a collaborative effort of organizations and individuals who embrace the common purpose of transforming New Jersey’s water infrastructure. The long-term outlook on our water supply, he warns, is not encouraging.

Part of the challenge is how precipitation works in New Jersey. Our water supply depends on steady replenishment from rainfall and snow, and climate change is disrupting that pattern. It’s not that we’re getting less rain overall – instead, we are getting more intense storms, heavier downpours, and longer dry stretches in between.

The problems are compounded by poor land use decisions. As more natural lands that absorb rainfall are paved over for roads and parking lots, excess water from heavier storms runs into storm drains before it can be absorbed into the ground to replenish the aquifers that are critical to drinking water.

Then there’s the problem of saltwater intrusion. As sea level rises and drought reduces freshwater flow, saltwater pushes farther upstream into rivers and underground aquifers, threatening the very sources we tap when we turn on the faucet.

The most impactful solutions will come from policy changes – stronger conservation standards, better infrastructure, and long-term planning. Right now, Kricun gives New Jersey’s water conservation efforts a “C.” Not a failure, but far from where we need to be.

In many areas around this state we’re in, aging infrastructure is driving significant water loss. In some communities, as much as half the water in distribution systems is lost to leaks before it ever reaches homes and businesses!

Many of our wastewater systems are also outdated. Combined sewer systems in cities like Newark allow stormwater and sewage to mix during storm events, sending large volumes of contaminated water into waterways and ultimately out to sea. Not only is it unsanitary, it wastes thousands of gallons of precious water that should be captured, cleaned, and returned into the larger system.

Successful management of water resources requires serious, sustained leadership on infrastructure investment at all levels of government. Delaying these investments only escalates the cost and risks ultimately borne by the public.

We need to manage demand more effectively, particularly from massive water users such as data centers. Some states have begun requiring major commercial facilities to be “water neutral,” offsetting their use by improving efficiency and fixing local infrastructure. New Jersey isn’t there yet.

It’s not just about us. Wetlands, forests, coastal habitats — our beloved Pine Barrens — all rely on stable water levels. When levels drop, animals like fish, birds, pollinators, reptiles, and amphibians all feel the strain. Subtle shifts in groundwater can reshape entire plant communities.

In the past we’ve seen bold action by governors that resulted in critical protections for the precious water resources of the Highlands and the Pine Barrens. Now we need a fresh multi-pronged push to ensure a sustainable water supply into the future.

Legislators and the governor can start by addressing the backlog of infrastructure investments and adopting better conservation strategies. Strengthening oversight of large-scale industrial water use by enacting clear permitting systems, enforceable withdrawal limits, and robust monitoring requirements grounded in science and existing law will be essential.

It’s time for New Jersey’s next big move to secure the water we need for the future.

One way you can help is by visiting New Jersey League of Conservation Voters website and asking the governor to invest in smart water infrastructure: https://action.njlcv.org/a/budget-2027-water

To learn more about water resource needs, visit https://www.jerseywaterworks.org/.

To learn more about preserving New Jersey’s land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation at www.njconservation.org or contact info@njconservation.org.