All of Ocean County remains under Severe Drought drought conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor data, as a prolonged precipitation deficit continues to affect water supplies, vegetation, and environmental conditions across the state and the region.

The latest federal drought assessment shows 100% of Ocean County experiencing drought conditions, with more than 576,000 residents affected. Conditions have remained unchanged in recent weeks despite occasional rainfall, reflecting a longer-term moisture deficit that has persisted across much of New Jersey.

Some areas of the state, in Cape May and Cumberland counties, are now designated as “Extreme Drought.”

The state has now experienced 10 consecutive months of below-normal rainfall and below normal precipitation for 20 of the last 24 months since September 2024.

State or Ocean County officials have not announced mandatory water restrictions, but drought monitoring agencies continue to urge residents and businesses to use water efficiently as the summer season approaches. Drought conditions can increase stress on water systems, reduce streamflows, affect agriculture and landscaping, and heighten wildfire risk in wooded areas.

The U.S. Drought Monitor, which is updated once a week to show the location and intensity of drought conditions across the country, show experts’ assessments of conditions related to dryness and drought including observations of how much water is available in streams, lakes, and soils compared to usual for the same time of year.

It should be noted that in New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection makes the official calls on drought status in the state.

Earlier this year, the DEP issued a statewide Drought Watch, strongly urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water, as the state experienced below-average rainfall in recent months, contributing to diminished streamflow, reservoir, and groundwater levels, as well as an increase in wildfire activity.

The declaration of a Drought Watch is intended to increase public awareness and appreciation of the stress water supply sources are facing and encourages the public to practice voluntary water conservation measures. If conditions do not improve, declaration of a Drought Warning or a Drought Emergency with mandatory water use restrictions may become necessary.

The last drought emergency lasted almost a year, between March 2002 and January 2003.