Weeks of very hot weather, coupled with little rain, have taken their toll. Although we received some rain earlier this week, it's not enough to make up for months of below-average precipitation. Conditions are ripe for mulch fires, and small mulch fires can quickly grow into larger conflagrations. All it takes is a little carelessness. Smokers, please make sure you properly dispose of butts, insuring that they're out and cool before tossing them. And cigarette butts should never be thrown out a window, where they might ignite tinder-dry grass. With rainfall up to 40% below average for the past three months, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection last week issued a formal "drought watch." In addition to possible fire hazards, Livingston Water Department officials have also begun to express concern. Although, at the moment, our wells are still producing sufficient water to meet demand, this will soon change if we don't get some significant rainfall. Officials hope to head off this scenario by asking residents' cooperation now by voluntarily conserving water before greater restrictions have to be formally imposed.
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