PHOTOS: NJ drought situation is now dire at the Manasquan Reservoir

New Jersey's drought situation has been getting very dire with no significant rainfall between August 2024 and Nov. 20, 2024. Fortunately, the Garden State received some much-needed and very welcomed rain immediately after Nov. 20. Hopefully, this will be a long-term trend, but only time will tell.

As for our drought situation, recent rains have certainly helped, but it will still take much more than that to wipe away the deficit. Regardless of where you live across the state, New Jersey will need to continue this wetter pattern to help replenish our waterways that have been drying up for three months straight.

One of the most dire spots in the Garden State is the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell. Not only is it a major source of water for so many in Monmouth County, but it's also a hot spot for recreation year-round.

As of Nov. 20, 2024, the Manasquan Reservoir dropped below 50% capacity for the first time in 30 years. There's no other way to look at that other than with shock. And for those who have visited the reservoir in the past, you'll be stunned by how low the water levels have dropped. Some areas that are normally submerged look more like a desert.

Just before the recent rains, I took a trip to the reservoir and couldn't believe how low the water levels had dropped. I was literally standing in spots where I should be completely underwater.

Here's a look at what the reservoir looked like on Nov. 20, before much-needed rain hit the Garden State. Trust me, it looks a lot better at the start of this trip by the dam than it does toward the end.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 Sunday morning host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.