After a drier than normal November and a dry first half of December across much of New Jersey, the United States Drought Monitor continued abnormally dry to moderate drought levels in northern to northeast New Jersey. The New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection also continued the drought watch for the northern to northeast part of the state, and this included all or parts of Morris, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer and Ocean Counties. In addition, water restrictions that were in place since October in Newton (Sussex County) continued because the water level at Morris Lake, the town's reservoir in Sparta, was 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. Declining reservoir storage noted during the months of October and November in the New Jersey Water Supply Authority���s Spruce Run and Manasquan Reservoirs in Hunterdon and Monmouth Counties, also persisted into December.
The Department of Environmental Protection urged residents in the drought watch area to voluntarily conserve water as precipitation deficits were greater in northern New Jersey and for the rest of the state to practice wise water use due to overall continued dry weather and above-average temperatures. The drought watch was continued due to below average precipitation through the first half of December that had decreased reservoir, ground water, and streamflow levels in the area. Signs of stress in water supply indicators persisted. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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