Following a rain-soaked October, New Jersey officials are easing water-use restrictions – and similar changes could be on the way for New York City.
Garden State residents can now water their lawns on a limited basis and wash their cars on weekends, under a plan announced yesterday by the state Department of Environmental Protection.
But “by no means should this action mislead people to think that the drought emergency is over,” said environmental commissioner Bradley Campbell.
City residents could also see an ease on restrictions soon, with more than six inches of rainfall in the metropolitan area already this month.
“We are basically close to being changed from a [drought] warning to a watch,” said Peter Constantakes, spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Total rainfall for the year is now 5½ inches below normal.
“All you need is a couple of really good storms to make up the deficit,” said National Weather Service spokesman George Klein.