NEW JERSEY —The state of New Jersey issued a drought watch Tuesday, and officials are urging residents and businesses to conserve water now or risk restrictions later.

Governor Phil Murphy's administration is asking businesses and residents in the Garden State to reduce watering their lawns, washing their vehicles, and "cutting back nonessential uses such as hosing off driveways and sidewalks." More than 30 percent of water demand in suburban areas is for outdoor purposes in the summer, the state said.

Hot, dry conditions are scorching most of the Garden State's lawns and landscapes. Data shows most of the state is abnormally dry, meaning lawns get brown earlier and crop growth is stunted. The weather can "quickly" affect water supplies, and state officials urge people to dial back their water usage now so the reserve supply does not dry up.

New Jersey Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette issued the drought watch on Tuesday.

"Stream flow and ground water levels are falling below normal for most of the state and some reservoirs are showing steep rates of decline as hot and dry conditions continue," LaTourette said in a news release. "While water conservation is always important, it becomes critical during prolonged dry and hot periods like New Jersey has been experiencing. If residents and businesses do all they can to reduce water demand, together we can ensure ample supplies in the coming weeks and months."

New Jersey has a three-stage drought advisory system, and the drought watch is the first stage. If conditions do not improve, the state may have to mandate water restrictions.

Residents can check conditions around the state here. The southwest and coastal south regions are also seeing severely dry streamflow and groundwater conditions, state data shows.

National data shows that parts of Monmouth, Union, Mercer, Hunterdon, Somerset, Essex, Middlesex, Hudson, and Ocean counties are now in moderate drought. Historically, this means hay and grain yields are lower than usual, and honey production will decline. Fires are also more likely to start in these counties, given the dry ground.

The state last declared a drought warning in 2016 for 14 northern and central counties. The last drought emergency with water use restrictions was from March 2002-Jan. 2003.

Here are ten tips on conserving water from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection:

1. Water flowers and landscaping with water harvested in a rain barrel connected to a downspout

2. Use 30-50 percent less water with drip irrigation and micro-sprays compared to sprinklers

3. Only water when needed; in NJ most landscapes need only one inch of water per week. This often comes from dew and rainfall.

4. If you have a pool, purchase a water saving filter.

5. Cover your pool when not in use to reduce evaporation rates.

6. Avoid recreational toys that require a constant stream of water.

7. Raise your lawnmower blade to at least three inches to promote deeper grass roots which hold water better.

8. Use water from dehumidifiers and air conditioners to water your plants.

9. Use native plants that need less water.

10. Group plants together based on water needs.

For more tips on how to conserve water, click here.

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