Helena Joyce
New Jersey is facing a wide range of water-related risks, from flooding near rivers to sea level rise and the presence of lead and other contaminants in drinking water. The state's forests and open spaces that naturally filter pollutants and clean water are disappearing, and many residents cannot drink their tap water. The New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map contains information to help residents, advocates, and policymakers understand water risks in their communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water-related risks | Flooding near rivers, sea level rise, lead and other contaminants in drinking water |
| Water contamination | Fish in rivers and streams are too contaminated to eat |
| Water infrastructure | Antiquated water infrastructure systems |
| Water data | Collection of water data, analysis of hydrologic processes, publication of unbiased hydrologic information |
| Water supply | 13% of New Jersey residents use their own source of drinking water |
| Water monitoring | Test water periodically, maintain well, be aware of local activities that may pollute water supply |
| Water risk and equity | New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map |
What You'll Learn
New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map
The New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map is a tool that addresses inequities in water risk exposure by showing the overlay of water risks and demographic factors. It is designed to help residents, advocates, and policymakers understand water risks in their communities.
New Jersey faces a wide range of water-related risks, from flooding near rivers to sea level rise and the presence of lead and other contaminants in drinking water. These and other issues affect people differently in different parts of the state.
The map is a resource for local advocacy work and contains information to help residents, advocates, and policymakers understand water risks in their communities.
The New Jersey Water Science Center is also working on water-quality vulnerability analysis and hazardous-waste site characterization and remediation research.
The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters is also working to address water pollution issues in the state. They have hosted webinars for residents and community leaders to learn more about the growing public health and equity issues caused by antiquated water infrastructure systems.
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Antiquated water infrastructure systems
New Jersey is facing a wide range of water-related risks, from flooding near rivers to sea level rise and the presence of lead and other contaminants in drinking water. These and other issues affect people differently in different parts of the state. The New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map contains information to help residents, advocates, and policymakers understand water risks in their communities.
The New Jersey Water Science Center works on collection of water data, the analysis of hydrologic processes through research projects and the publication of unbiased hydrologic information. The emerging issues which currently are deemed most in need of New Jersey Water Science Center support, form four broad program areas: watershed and water-supply management, real-time hydrologic hazards, water-quality vulnerability analysis, and hazardous-waste site characterization and remediation research.
The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters has hosted a webinar on Wednesday, June 29, from 7-8 p.m. for residents and community leaders to learn more about the growing public health and equity issues caused by antiquated water infrastructure systems.
13 percent of New Jersey residents use their own source of drinking water, like a well, cistern, or spring. It is essential that you test your water periodically, and maintain your well. Be observant about your water by being aware of announcements in the local media about local activities that may pollute your source water. Call 911 if you see suspicious activity in or around your water supply. Be involved with your water by attending public hearings about new construction, storm water permitting, and town planning.
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Lead and other contaminants in drinking water
New Jersey is facing a wide range of water-related risks, from flooding near rivers to sea level rise and the presence of lead and other contaminants in drinking water. These and other issues affect people differently in different parts of the state. The New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map contains information to help residents, advocates, and policymakers understand water risks in their communities.
The New Jersey Water Science Center works on collection of water data, the analysis of hydrologic processes through research projects and the publication of unbiased hydrologic information. The U.S. Geological Survey has also been brought into a close working relationship with New Jersey managers on many issues.
The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters has also been working on the issue of antiquated water infrastructure systems and has hosted a webinar on the topic.
The New Jersey residents who use their own source of drinking water, like a well, cistern, or spring, are responsible for protecting and monitoring their water supply. It is essential that they test their water periodically and maintain their well. They should also be observant about their water by being aware of announcements in the local media about local activities that may pollute their source water.
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Watershed and water-supply management
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation and its forests and open spaces that naturally filter pollutants and clean water are disappearing. The fish in many of its rivers and streams are too contaminated to eat and many residents cannot drink their tap water. Lead poisoning is a growing concern and New Jersey faces a wide range of water-related risks, from flooding near rivers to sea level rise and the presence of lead and other contaminants in drinking water.
The New Jersey Water Science Center works on watershed and water-supply management, collection of water data, the analysis of hydrologic processes through research projects and the publication of unbiased hydrologic information. The New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map contains information to help residents, advocates, and policymakers understand water risks in their communities.
New Jersey residents who use their own source of drinking water, like a well, cistern, or spring, are responsible for protecting and monitoring their water supply. It is essential that they test their water periodically and maintain their well. They should be observant about their water by being aware of announcements in the local media about local activities that may pollute their source water. Call 911 if you see suspicious activity in or around your water supply. Be involved with your water by attending public hearings about new construction, storm water permitting, and town planning.
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Disappearing forests and open spaces
New Jersey's forests and open spaces are disappearing at an alarming rate, which is a major concern as these natural areas play a crucial role in filtering pollutants and cleaning the water. The state's high population density exacerbates the issue, as the demand for resources and development puts immense pressure on these natural habitats. As a result, many rivers and streams in New Jersey are now too contaminated for safe consumption.
The New Jersey Water Science Center is actively working on addressing water-related issues through various program areas, including watershed and water-supply management, real-time hydrologic hazards, and water-quality vulnerability analysis. Their efforts involve collecting water data, conducting research projects, and publishing unbiased hydrologic information. This comprehensive approach aims to mitigate the impact of water pollution and ensure the sustainable management of water resources.
The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters highlights the critical issue of lead poisoning among children, which is a direct consequence of contaminated water sources. The organization also emphasizes the importance of green infrastructure projects, such as those implemented by faith groups, in reducing water pollution and supporting communities.
To combat the disappearing forests and open spaces, New Jersey has launched initiatives to engage residents in water protection. The state encourages periodic testing and maintenance of private water sources and promotes awareness of local activities that may impact water quality. Additionally, public hearings on construction, storm water management, and town planning provide opportunities for residents to voice their concerns and contribute to water conservation efforts.
The New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map is a valuable tool that displays water risks and demographic factors, enabling residents, advocates, and policymakers to understand and address water-related challenges in their communities. This map serves as a powerful resource for local advocacy and equity in water risk exposure.
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Frequently asked questions
New Jersey is facing a wide range of water-related risks, from flooding near rivers to sea level rise and the presence of lead and other contaminants in drinking water. The New Jersey Water Risk and Equity Map contains information to help residents, advocates, and policymakers understand water risks in their communities.
New Jersey is working with Waterspirit and the New Jersey Conference of the NAACP to host a webinar for residents and community leaders to learn more about the growing public health and equity issues caused by antiquated water infrastructure systems.
New Jersey residents who use their own source of drinking water, like a well, cistern, or spring, are responsible for protecting and monitoring their water supply. It is essential that they test their water periodically and maintain their well. They should also be observant about their water by being aware of announcements in the local media about local activities that may pollute their source water.
The New Jersey Water Science Center is working closely with the U.S. Geological Survey on many issues related to water data. The emerging issues that currently are deemed most in need of New Jersey Water Science Center support form four broad program areas: watershed and water-supply management, real-time hydrologic hazards, water-quality vulnerability analysis, and hazardous-waste site characterization and remediation research.
The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters is working to address the threats to clean water in New Jersey. Forests and open spaces that naturally filter pollutants and clean water are disappearing as the state is the nation’s most densely populated state. The fish in many of the state's rivers and streams are too contaminated to eat, and too many homeowners can’t drink their tap water.
