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Mariton: November Precipitation

December 2, 2016

by Tim Burris, Preserve Manager

Precipitation in November was slightly above average. I recorded 3.51 inches of rain (3.29” average).  This is the first time I have had above average precipitation since July.  The weather system that visited the last two days of November gave us about 2.5 inches of rainfall, otherwise we would have seen another deficit month.  For perspective, my November records show a low of 0.92 inches (2012) and a high 5.76 inches (2004).  November doesn’t have the range of variation that other months have.

We are still about 10 inches behind my running average for the year. If (and that is a big IF this year) we get the average 4 inches of precipitation in December, we will wind up with around 42 inches of precipitation for the year.  That is within the spread of annual rainfall over the years, but well below the average 52 inches per year.

So what? I know a few people that are having issues with their wells.  Reservoirs are particularly low this year.  There are things that we can do to conserve water during these dry periods.  During winter, we aren’t watering gardens and using the outside faucets, so we have this illusion that we are saving a lot of water.  One of the easiest ways to conserve water is to run your washing machine only with a full load of clothes.  The same is true for the dishwasher.  I know it is tougher during the winter to take short showers, but it helps conserve your finite water supply.   Indoor plants can be watered with collected rainfall or recycled water.  (Hint:  pour half-full glasses of water and ice into a watering can by the sink instead of down the drain.)   We need to continue to conserve water until the weather patterns change and we start receiving more precipitation.