New Jersey residents are urged to voluntarily conserve water after officials issued a statewide drought watch Oct. 1.

The watch comes after a year of "extreme weather variability that is consistent with a changing climate," said Shawn LaTourette, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection. Historically dry conditions in the fall and winter of 2024 prompted a drought warning in November, followed by a wet May and flash flooding in parts of the state in July.

"But with the return of prolonged dry conditions over the latter part of this summer and early fall, water supplies are showing signs of stress again," LaTourette said. News: Still looking for a REAL ID appointment in NJ? Here's what you need to know

A drought watch encourages residents to "practice voluntary w

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