While precipitation amounts returned to closer to normal during the month of October, the United States Drought Monitor continued moderate drought levels in the northeast part of New Jersey. The New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection also continued the drought watch for the northeast part of the state and this included all or parts of Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer and Ocean Counties.  In addition, Newton in Sussex County imposed water restrictions because the water level at Morris Lake, the town's reservoir in Sparta, were dropping. The restrictions prohibited watering of lawns and gardens; washing cars, trucks, boats or any recreational vehicle; washing driveways, sidewalks or walkways and filling swimming pools or ornamental pools.
The Department of Environmental Protection urged residents in the drought watch area to voluntarily conserve water and for the rest of the state to practice wise water use due to continued dry weather and above-average temperatures. The drought watch was prompted by continued rainfall deficits that have decreased reservoir, ground water and streamflow levels in the area. Signs of stress in water supply indicators started to occur. The department asked residents to use water more carefully and deliberately, especially when it comes to lawn watering and other non-essential uses. The goal is to moderate water demand through voluntary conservation. Some suggested water conservation tips included: to not over-water lawns and landscaping; use a hose with a hand-held nozzle to water flowers and shrubs; avoid watering lawns and plants during the heat of the day; use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose; fix leaky faucets and pipes; turn off the faucet while brushing teeth and shaving and run washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded.
Drinking water supply indicators showed signs of stress from the dry weather and water demands, including stream flows and ground water levels, as well as declining reservoir storage in the New Jersey Water Supply Authority���s Spruce Run and Manasquan Reservoirs in Hunterdon and Monmouth Counties, respectively.  A side effect of the dry weather was an expected smaller (in size) pumpkin crop. Farmers had to endure increased costs of water and electricity to irrigate their crops.
For the first time since June, rainfall amounts in the drought watch area in October were close to or exceeded normal. This was an improvement over July and August when some counties averaged only half their normal rainfall. On a county weighted average, statewide October precipitation was below average in Sussex, Warren, Morris and Hunterdon Counties, but was above average throughout central and southern New Jersey.

Drought in SUSSEX, NEW JERSEY
From 01-OCT-15 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-15 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Local Official

Drought in MORRIS, NEW JERSEY
From 01-OCT-15 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-15 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Drought in HUNTERDON, NEW JERSEY
From 01-OCT-15 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-15 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Drought in SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY
From 01-OCT-15 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-15 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Drought in MIDDLESEX, NEW JERSEY
From 01-OCT-15 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-15 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Drought in MERCER, NEW JERSEY
From 01-OCT-15 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-15 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Drought in WESTERN MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 01-OCT-15 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-15 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Drought in WESTERN OCEAN, NEW JERSEY
From 01-OCT-15 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-15 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Drought in EASTERN MONMOUTH, NEW JERSEY
From 01-OCT-15 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-15 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Drought in EASTERN OCEAN, NEW JERSEY
From 01-OCT-15 00:00:00 to 31-OCT-15 23:59:00 (EST-5)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official