NEW JERSEY FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

New Jersey's streamflow conditions reveal a striking trend of below-normal water levels across major rivers, with significant deviations from typical seasonal patterns. Notably, the Delaware River, integral to the state's water system, shows reduced streamflows at various monitoring points, with the Montague, Trenton, and Belvidere locations recording -66.68%, -70.93%, and -71.99% of normal flows, respectively. Current streamflows are 2140 cubic feet per second (cfs) at Montague, 3870 cfs at Trenton, and 2420 cfs at Belvidere, indicating potential flow drought conditions that could affect ecosystems and water availability. Conversely, the North Branch Rancocas Creek at Pemberton and the Toms River near Toms River are closer to their normal flow rates, indicating a more stable situation in those areas.

For river and water enthusiasts, these conditions may impact recreational activities such as whitewater trails in the Delaware River watershed. Additionally, the Passaic River basin, with locations like Little Falls, demonstrates a notable decrease in streamflow (-61.5% percent normal), which could signal potential issues for nearby communities like Chatham and Pine Brook. The Raritan River also experiences lower than average flows, with the area below Calco Dam at Bound Brook and at Manville showing -41.53% and -31.77% of normal streamflows. These low streamflow conditions can also be observed at smaller water bodies like the Pompton River at Pompton Plains and the North Branch Raritan River near Raritan. In contrast, the Delaware and Raritan Canal at Port Mercer reports flows slightly above the norm (6.32% percent normal), which could offer some relief. However, enthusiasts should remain vigilant for any rapid changes, such as the 277.03% 24-hour increase at the Raritan River at Manville, which may indicate the potential for flooding if such trends continue.