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The reservoir's water elevation was recorded at 91.27 feet above sea level on the morning of Monday, Nov. 18, according to Marc Brooks, executive director of the New Jersey Water Supply Authority (NJWSA). That measurement at the Howell Township reservoir was 11.73 feet below its full pool level.
The reservoir was holding 2.3 billion gallons of water, which is just 49.35 percent of its 4.67-billion capacity.
“This is a historic low since the early 1990s, and back then, it was only this low because it was being filled for the first time,” Brooks said.
The Manasquan Reservoir can deliver up to 30 million gallons of water per day to utilities in Monmouth County, the NJWSA's website said.
The Manasquan Water Treatment Plant provides 60 percent of the drinking water used in communities like Brielle, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, and Wall Township.
In addition to its role in the regional water supply, the 770-acre reservoir is a popular recreation and educational area. According to the Monmouth County Parks System, the 1,348-acre property features woods, wetlands, a five-mile perimeter trail, fishing and boating areas, and a visitor center.
The reservoir's historically low levels at the reservoir came as South Jersey was experiencing a severe or extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The dry conditions have fueled several wildfires across the region.
A 35-acre wildfire ignited near the Lakewood Country Club and was about 50 percent contained as of around 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said six buildings on Seminole Drive were threatened when the fire first started.
In Burlington County, crews were also battling a 40-acre wildfire in Hainesport that was about 50 percent contained. NJFFS said 20 buildings were first threatened by the flames but none were at risk as of press time.
In Gloucester County, a wildfire in Glassboro burned through a significant area last week, creating what one TikToker called "apocalyptic" scenes. Thick, black smoke triggered 911 calls and carbon monoxide alarms.
In North Jersey, the Jennings Creek wildfire burned more than 700 acres near the New York State border. The blaze sent smoke over North Jersey and took nearly a week to reach 90 percent containment.
The National Weather Service forecasted some much-needed relief from the drought. Rain was expected to fall across New Jersey starting at night on Wednesday, Nov. 20, and continue through Thursday, Nov. 21.
Monmouth County could see up to an inch of rainfall.
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