Feds: Northern New Jersey experiencing moderate drought

Federal officials say northern New Jersey is in the midst of a moderate drought with numerous counties experiencing damaged crops, low water levels and voluntary water-use limits. The U.S. Drought

News 12 Staff

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Jun 22, 2016, 2:27 PM

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Updated 3,006 days ago

Federal officials say northern New Jersey is in the midst of a moderate drought with numerous counties experiencing damaged crops, low water levels and voluntary water-use limits.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says eight counties and parts of three others are experiencing a moderate drought. Parts of five counties are considered abnormally dry.

The National Weather Service says Bergen and Passaic counties have received 8.7 and 8.3 inches of rain respectively over the past three months. That's roughly 4 to 5 inches less than normal.

State environmental regulators say there isn't yet an issue with the amount of available drinking water. They say it's not uncommon for rain to become irregular this time of year.

State officials say reservoirs don't seem to be seriously affected.