State of New Jersey
Executive Order #102

Governor Christine Todd Whitman

This executive order terminates EO #98 Whitman.

WHEREAS, a year-long precipitation deficit, coupled with an extended period of above-average temperatures during July and August, dramatically increased water use demands and exacerbated the drain on available water supplies; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 98 was issued on August 5, 1999, for the purpose of declaring a state of water emergency due to drought conditions throughout New Jersey, characterized by unusually hot, dry weather conditions and significantly depleted surface and ground water levels, including unprecedented low stream flows across the State; and

WHEREAS, coordinated water management measures exercised by water suppliers, municipalities, counties, and the State, including water conservation efforts and voluntary and mandatory water use restrictions, effectively curtailed water use demands and allowed for the preservation of available supplies; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 100 was issued on September 14, 1999, in order to modify the areas designated under the water emergency due to drought conditions, by removing eight southern New Jersey counties; and

WHEREAS, abundant rainfall across the State, due in large part to the remnants of Hurricane Floyd, contributed significantly to eradication of the year-long precipitation deficit, restoration of stream flows, and replenishment of water supply storage in critical northeastern New Jersey reservoirs; and

WHEREAS, the year-long precipitation deficit, while moderated by recent rains, continues in many areas, and the rainfall associated with Hurricane Floyd produced widespread flooding and surface water runoff rather than sustained groundwater replenishment; and

WHEREAS, concerns regarding long-term climatic trends suggest that considerable attention must still be devoted to the stabilization of available water supplies through efficient management and prudent use of the resource; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate and necessary to remain vigilant by continuing voluntary water conservation practices that are beneficial and essential to the preservation of available water supplies;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christine Todd Whitman, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby DECLARE, ORDER and DIRECT, as follows:

1. A state of water emergency, as declared by Executive Order No. 98, due to the drought no longer exists anywhere within the State and is hereby terminated in those counties as to which it was not previously terminated by Executive Order No. 100, issued September 14, 1999.

2. All persons are urged to use water wisely and to comply fully with water use measures imposed by the Department of Environmental Protection, applicable municipalities and counties, or water suppliers servicing their areas.

3. This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal
this 27th day of September in the
Year of Our Lord, One Thousand
Nine Hundred and Nintety-Nine,
and of the Independence of the
United States, the Two Hundred
and Twenty-Fourth.

/s/ Christine Todd Whitman
Governor

[seal]

Attest:

/s/ Richard S. Mroz
Chief Counsel to the Governor