The NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is obligated and empowered to improve and protect water resources and water system infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water and system sustainability. In February 2024, the draft 2024 NJ Statewide Water Supply Plan, which addresses the state’s water resources, anticipated problems, and recommendations for future action, was released. The plan for the first time assesses water supply challenges resulting from climate change and offers climate resilience solutions. Other challenges addressed in the plan include aging water supply infrastructure, emerging water contaminants (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and the occurrence of harmful algal blooms.
The goal of the plan is to ensure that water supplies and water infrastructure are “in place and coordinated to meet anticipated future demands.” The planning is also intended to ensure that water uses are efficient and not excessive.
The recommendations rely on the availability of long-term and real-time hydrologic datasets to quantify trends, characterize current conditions, and build and calibrate models to support decision making and future water supply planning. Climate change is recognized as a risk multiplier. Anticipated changes in precipitation, temperature, sea-level, and emissions will require adjustments in water supply modeling and monitoring methods. The DEP will work with experts to understand water availability and demand during extended drought conditions and growing seasons. It will also work to improve understanding of saltwater intrusion of recharge areas and aquifers, stormwater surges, and changing boundaries of flood zones.
This knowledge is necessary to adjust policy and regulations to address resilience needs for dams, well construction and modifications, pipelines, power supplies, and other critical infrastructure.
The draft 2024 Water Supply Plan also addresses recommendations to modernize water policy through improved regional and statewide planning. For example: The Passaic and Hackensack watersheds serve NJ residents but their headwaters are in New York state. In the Delaware River basin, the Delaware River Basin Commission must ensure that water supply and flow are balanced with water supply needs.
Future policy will address:
· Financial preparation and participation for environmental justice/overburdened communities in the replacement of aging infrastructure.
· Low-income assistance for the replacement of failing drinking water wells due to age or for the treatment of naturally occurring contaminants.
· Funding for preservation of open space upstream of drinking water intakes or in wellhead protection areas.
· Prioritization of water quality restoration.
· Revision of policy and regulations to address water quality and allocations.
The forecast calls for another hot summer. Let’s give the DEP support to effectively ensure availability of clean water.
Resource
Draft Water Plan: https://shorturl.at/rtxS5