Just three months ago, 100% of Cape May County was in extreme drought. Now, moderate drought defines much of the county.

In a drought warning update, the state Department of Environmental Protection this week reminded the public that though things have improved, the drought warning status is still in place.

Drought warning is the classification that sits between a less serious drought-watch status and a state-declared water emergency.

According to the DEP, below-average precipitation is what is slowing the state’s progress away from its more serious drought status three months ago. A water supply drought determination is caused by low precipitation, declining storage in supply reservoirs and depleting groundwater levels.

Even though this is a non-emergency phase of drought management, the DEP continues to ask the public to conserve water, especially as the spring uptick in water use kicks in due to outdoor irrigation.

The DEP reminder states: “While mandatory water use restrictions are not imposed under a warning, the general public is strongly urged to use water sparingly in affected areas.”