New Jersey Reservoirs Remain Critically Low Despite Recent Snow

Veolia urges 1.1 million customers to continue water conservation efforts as reservoirs sit at just 43% capacity

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Jersey's key reservoirs, including the Oradell Reservoir, remain well below normal levels at just 43% capacity, despite recent snowfall and rainfall. Veolia, which serves 1.1 million residents statewide, is asking customers to continue water conservation efforts as the region has experienced a 15-inch precipitation shortfall over the past 18 months. Veolia says it is working to improve infrastructure and reduce water loss, but is urging residents to repair household leaks, eliminate unnecessary water use, and report any signs of leaks to help safeguard the region's water supply.

Why it matters

New Jersey's reservoirs are critical to the daily life of over 1 million residents in the northern part of the state. The extended drought conditions have put significant stress on these water sources, underscoring the need for ongoing conservation efforts to avoid potential future restrictions.

The details

Reservoirs in northern New Jersey, which are typically full at this time of year, are currently at just 43% capacity. The Oradell Reservoir is even lower, at 37% capacity. Veolia says the region has experienced about 15 inches less precipitation than normal over the past 18 months, leading the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to issue a statewide drought warning in December. While Veolia says it is meeting customer demand, the company is working to improve infrastructure, identify and repair underground leaks, and capture water used to flush fire hydrants to reduce water loss.

  • The region has experienced a 15-inch precipitation shortfall over the past 18 months.
  • The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection issued a statewide drought warning in December.

The players

Veolia

A water utility company that serves approximately 1.1 million residents in northern New Jersey.

Alan Weland

The regional president of Veolia's operations in New Jersey.

Kendra Morris

The CEO of Veolia's regulated water business in North America.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The reservoirs are under stress. It's important that customers understand that recent snow and rain have not resolved our water supply challenges. We are asking everyone to make conservation a daily habit.”

— Alan Weland, Regional President, Veolia New Jersey (thepressgroup.net)

“Our reservoirs are the heart of daily life in northern New Jersey and safeguarding them is both a responsibility and a privilege. We are monitoring reservoir levels, demand, and weather conditions around the clock.”

— Kendra Morris, CEO, Veolia Regulated Water Business in North America (thepressgroup.net)

What’s next

Veolia says it will continue to monitor reservoir levels, demand, and weather conditions closely, and may need to implement potential water restrictions if conservation efforts do not sufficiently replenish the reservoirs.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the fragility of New Jersey's water supply and the critical need for residents to make water conservation a daily habit, even after periods of increased precipitation. Proactive infrastructure improvements and leak detection by utilities like Veolia can help, but sustained conservation efforts by the public are essential to safeguarding this vital resource.