NEW-JERSEY RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Across the nation, dams and reservoirs play a crucial role in water supply, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation. However, the state of these water bodies can vary significantly depending on regional conditions such as precipitation, snowmelt, and water consumption demands.

In recent observations, certain trends have become apparent, pointing to the impacts of varying climate patterns and usage. For instance, Lake Mead in Nevada and Lake Powell in Arizona, two of the country's largest reservoirs, have shown considerably reduced storage levels compared to their averages, with Lake Mead at approximately half its average storage. This alarming trend is indicative of the prolonged drought affecting the American Southwest, emphasizing the need for careful water management and conservation efforts.

Conversely, regions like California have seen some reservoirs like Shasta Dam and Lake Oroville rebounding with storage levels surpassing their averages, which can be attributed to increased precipitation in these areas. This surplus is a welcome change following previous years of drought concerns. Additionally, Lake Almanor in California has seen its storage levels rise significantly above average, offering some relief to the local ecosystems and water supply systems.

The fluctuations in reservoir and dam storage levels across different states underscore the importance of adaptive water management strategies to address the challenges posed by climate variability. While some areas grapple with excess water, others face scarcity, necessitating a balanced approach to ensure water security and sustainability for the future.

New Jersey has several major reservoirs, including the Manasquan Reservoir, the Round Valley Reservoir, and the Wanaque Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by a variety of streams and rivers, including the Manasquan River, the Raritan River, and the Wanaque River. The state's location in the northeastern United States means that snowpack and mountain runoff are important factors in the hydrology of the area. Record levels and drought conditions have been observed in New Jersey in recent years, with severe drought conditions experienced in 2020. Seasonal trends show that streamflow and reservoir levels tend to be highest in the spring and lowest in the fall, with the summer months often experiencing drought conditions. Despite these challenges, New Jersey has worked to improve its water infrastructure, including dam and reservoir management, to ensure a reliable supply of clean water for its residents.

New Jersey has several major reservoirs, including the Manasquan Reservoir, the Round Valley Reservoir, and the Wanaque Reservoir. These reservoirs are fed by a variety of streams and rivers, including the Manasquan River, the Raritan River, and the Wanaque River. The state's location in the northeastern United States means that snowpack and mountain runoff are important factors in the hydrology of the area.

Record levels and drought conditions have been observed in New Jersey in recent years, with severe drought conditions experienced in 2020. Seasonal trends show that streamflow and reservoir levels tend to be highest in the spring and lowest in the fall, with the summer months often experiencing drought conditions. Despite these challenges, New Jersey has worked to improve its water infrastructure, including dam and reservoir management, to ensure a reliable supply of clean water for its residents.