Monmouth and Ocean counties are now under mandatory water restrictions following days of dry conditions and a prolonged heat wave.

The new restrictions are not unexpected considering heavy rains have missed the counties in recent weeks.

Last Friday, American Water asked customers in this area to voluntarily limit their outdoor water usage, but today that is now a mandatory order.

Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties are also all included to voluntarily switch to the odd/even watering system.