NEW-JERSEY RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: January 1, 2026

In the latest observations across the nation's dams and reservoirs, a comprehensive assessment reveals a mixed landscape of water storage levels, with variances that reflect the diverse climatic conditions and water management strategies at play. Some regions are experiencing surpluses, while others face droughts, underscoring the importance of adaptive water management.

Among the reservoirs recording higher than average storage levels are Lake Almanor in California, which currently holds over a million acre-feet more than its average, signifying a surplus that benefits local ecosystems and water supply. Conversely, Lake Powell in Arizona reflects a stark deficit, with its storage levels falling approximately 8 million acre-feet short of the average, indicative of the prolonged drought affecting the Colorado River Basin. Similarly, New Mexico's Elephant Butte Reservoir storage is significantly below its historical average, echoing water scarcity concerns in the Southwest. These conditions not only impact water availability for human consumption but also have far-reaching effects on agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and natural habitats. The variances in reservoir levels can often be traced back to factors such as snowpack levels, river flows, and regional precipitation patterns, which are influenced by broader climatic shifts and require ongoing monitoring and responsive water management strategies to ensure sustainable use and conservation of this vital resource.

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.