New Jersey American Water Provides Wise Water Tips for Summer as New Jersey Drought Warning Remains in Effect

Rhea-AI Summary

New Jersey American Water (NYSE:AWK) is urging customers to conserve water as New Jersey remains under a statewide drought warning and the company’s Mandatory Conservation Notice continues in effect.

It shares specific tips on smart irrigation, drought-resistant landscaping, and efficient watering to reduce stress on water supplies and customer bills.

News Market Reaction – AWK

-1.45%

-1.45% Session close to close

In the May 20 session, AWK declined 1.45%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement emphasizes customer conservation and operational vigilance as New Jersey remains u...

Analysis

This announcement emphasizes customer conservation and operational vigilance as New Jersey remains under a drought warning that has followed nearly two years of below-normal precipitation. It complements recent disclosures about infrastructure spending, rate cases, and service reliability across multiple state subsidiaries. Investors may watch how prolonged drought conditions affect usage patterns, regulatory interactions, and capital planning, with particular attention to future updates on investment levels, demand trends, and any changes in state-level conservation directives.

Key Figures

Forecast temperature: mid-90s °F Mulch depth: 2–3 inches Grass height range: 2.5–3.5 inches +3 more

6 metrics

Forecast temperature mid-90s °F Summer week referenced in release

Mulch depth 2–3 inches Recommended mulch layer around plants

Grass height range 2.5–3.5 inches Suggested mowing height for drought resistance

Watering frequency two times per week Maximum recommended lawn irrigation

Soil moisture depth 4–6 inches Depth to check before stopping watering

Drought duration nearly two years Period of below-normal precipitation in New Jersey

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 18 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	24h Move	Catalyst
May 18	Infrastructure investments	Positive	+0.4%	Announced major 2026–2027 Illinois water and wastewater infrastructure investments.
May 18	Tank upgrade program	Positive	+0.4%	Outlined $17.8M Pennsylvania tank upgrades and prior statewide investment levels.
May 18	Tennessee investments	Positive	+0.4%	Highlighted over $40M in 2026 Tennessee infrastructure and reliability projects.
May 15	Rate case filing	Positive	+0.4%	Kentucky rate request tied to about $108M of planned capital investment.
May 15	Quality awards	Positive	-1.3%	National recognition for 16 Pennsylvania treatment plants exceeding standards.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

Recent operational and investment updates have generally seen modest positive price alignment, with only one instance of divergence on otherwise positive recognition news.

Recent Company History

Over the last week, AWK subsidiaries highlighted substantial infrastructure and rate-related activity. Illinois American Water outlined about $290 million in 2026 investments and $570 million through 2027, while Tennessee American Water flagged over $40 million in 2026 projects. Pennsylvania American Water detailed a $17.8 million tank program and noted $722 million invested in 2025, and Kentucky American Water filed a rate request tied to about $108 million in capital. The current New Jersey conservation-focused message fits a broader narrative of system stewardship and reliability.

Key Terms

drip irrigation, smart controllers, rain sensors, drought-resistant, +1 more

5 terms

drip irrigation technical

"Consider drip irrigation: This system delivers water directly to plant roots..."

Drip irrigation is a farming method that delivers small, steady streams of water directly to the base of plants through a network of pipes and emitters, like turning a slow faucet at each root instead of spraying water over a whole field. For investors, it matters because it cuts water and fertilizer waste, reduces operating costs and crop loss from drought or disease, and can improve yields and predictability—factors that affect profit margins, capital spending and long‑term asset value in agricultural and water‑management businesses.

smart controllers technical

"Use smart controllers: These devices automatically adjust watering..."

Smart controllers are electronic devices that manage and automate machines, systems, or equipment by sensing conditions, making decisions, and communicating with other devices or operators — like a thermostat that learns and can be adjusted from your phone. For investors they matter because they often increase product value through improved efficiency, remote-monitoring, and software-driven services, which can boost sales, create recurring revenue and introduce new regulatory or cybersecurity risks.

rain sensors technical

"Install rain sensors: Prevent unnecessary watering during or after rainfall."

Rain sensors are devices that detect when precipitation begins and automatically trigger a response—such as turning on windshield wipers, stopping a sprinkler system, or sending a weather alert—using simple moisture or optical sensing. Investors care because these sensors can cut costs, meet safety or regulatory requirements, and add value to products and services; like an automatic switch that prevents waste or damage, their adoption and upgrades can affect sales, margins and ongoing service revenue.

drought-resistant technical

"Plant drought-resistant and native species: These plants require less water..."

Drought-resistant describes plants, seeds, or related technologies that tolerate low water conditions better than typical varieties, either through natural traits or breeding and engineering. For investors, drought-resistant products can protect crop yields and reduce costs in dry climates, making agricultural companies more resilient to weather risks and potentially stabilizing revenue—like having a car that uses less fuel on long trips.

native species technical

"Plant drought-resistant and native species: These plants require less water..."

Native species are plants, animals or other organisms that occur naturally in a particular region or ecosystem, having developed there without being brought in by people. Investors care because the presence, decline or legal protection of native species can affect land use, permitting, cleanup and operating costs and can create reputational or regulatory risk—like a protected historical feature on a parcel that limits how it can be developed.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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CAMDEN, N.J., May 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With temperatures in the mid-90s this week and the unofficial start to summer this holiday weekend, New Jersey American Water is reminding customers that smart irrigation and landscaping practices are essential for conserving water, especially as New Jersey remains under a drought warning.

"As we head into the summer months, we know our customers are spending more time outdoors and using more water," said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. "Conserving water is a shared responsibility, and by making small changes, like limiting outdoor watering and using smart irrigation practices, our customers can play an important role in protecting our water resources."

Despite recent precipitation, the state is still recovering from a significant rain deficit from late last summer that continued through winter and spring. In response to the ongoing drought warning issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), New Jersey American Water's Mandatory Conservation Notice remains in effect statewide.

"While we saw a little relief over the winter, New Jersey is feeling the effects of nearly two years of below-normal precipitation," Governor Mikie Sherrill said in a recent press release issued by the state. "It is extremely important that all residents and businesses remain mindful of conserving water use going into the late spring and early summer, when demand normally increases. I urge everyone to join us in spreading awareness about the importance of conserving water."

To help alleviate stress on water sources and save on water bills, New Jersey American Water offers the following smart irrigation and landscaping tips:

Upgrade Your Irrigation System:

• Use smart controllers: These devices automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions.
• Install rain sensors: Prevent unnecessary watering during or after rainfall.
• Consider drip irrigation: This system delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.
• Inspect and maintain regularly: Fix broken sprinkler heads and check for leaks or overspray.

Landscape Thoughtfully:

• Plant drought-resistant and native species: These plants require less water and thrive in local conditions.
• Mulch matters: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.
• Mow wisely: Keep grass height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches to improve drought resistance and reduce water needs.
• Group plants with similar water needs: This helps avoid overwatering or underwatering certain areas.

Water Smart:

• Water early or late: Irrigate in the early morning or late evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.
• Water two times per week at a maximum: Most lawns only need watering once or twice a week, and watering more frequently can harm your plants.
• Check soil moisture: Stop watering when the soil is moist 4–6 inches deep. This is typically enough for healthy root growth.
• Turn it off when it rains: If rain is in the forecast, skip the watering day altogether.

New Jersey American Water continues to monitor water supply conditions and is working closely with NJDEP and local authorities. The company has implemented operational adjustments to maintain service reliability, but conservation remains a critical part of managing the ongoing drought. Customers can learn more about wise water use and track their usage by logging into their MyWater account at amwater.com/mywater. Additional tips and tools are also available at newjerseyamwater.com/conservation and on NJDEP's Water Conservation website at dep.nj.gov/conserve-water.

About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 875 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 3 million people. 

For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-jersey-american-water-provides-wise-water-tips-for-summer-as-new-jersey-drought-warning-remains-in-effect-302777864.html

SOURCE American Water

FAQ

Why is New Jersey American Water (NYSE:AWK) promoting water conservation in May 2026?

New Jersey American Water is promoting conservation because New Jersey remains under a drought warning and demand rises in warmer months. According to New Jersey American Water, recent precipitation has not fully offset nearly two years of below-normal rainfall, so responsible outdoor use is essential.

What is New Jersey American Water's Mandatory Conservation Notice and where does it apply?

New Jersey American Water’s Mandatory Conservation Notice is a companywide request for reduced water use across New Jersey. According to New Jersey American Water, this notice remains in effect statewide in response to the ongoing drought warning issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

What irrigation tips does New Jersey American Water (AWK) recommend during the New Jersey drought warning?

New Jersey American Water recommends smart controllers, rain sensors, drip irrigation, and regular system maintenance to cut waste. According to New Jersey American Water, these upgrades help match watering to weather, reduce evaporation and runoff, and lower water bills during drought conditions.

How should New Jersey American Water customers water their lawns during the 2026 drought warning?

Customers are advised to water early or late, at most once or twice weekly. According to New Jersey American Water, checking soil moisture 4–6 inches deep and skipping irrigation when rain is forecast helps maintain healthy roots while conserving limited water supplies.

What landscaping practices does New Jersey American Water suggest to handle drought conditions in New Jersey?

New Jersey American Water suggests drought-resistant native plants, 2–3 inches of mulch, and grouping plants by water needs. According to New Jersey American Water, these steps reduce watering requirements, improve drought resilience, limit weed growth, and help customers adapt yards to ongoing dry weather.

Where can New Jersey American Water (NYSE:AWK) customers find more water conservation tools and resources?

Customers can find tools by logging into their MyWater account and visiting company and NJDEP conservation pages. According to New Jersey American Water, resources are available at amwater.com/mywater, newjerseyamwater.com/conservation, and the NJDEP Water Conservation website at dep.nj.gov/conserve-water.