The biggest fines were levied against golf courses in Ocean and Monmouth counties, but facilities in Atlantic, Camden, Cumberland and Salem counties also were cited.

DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell said the fines reinforce the need to adhere to emergency water-use restrictions.

"New Jersey is still experiencing severe water shortfall and conservation remains a critical responsibility of residents and businesses alike," Campbell said.

Golf courses were prohibited from using more than 50 percent of their water allocation under a March 11 DEP order. That was amended June 20 to allow golf courses to use 80 percent of their allocation.

Fines for failure to install a flow meter include:

* $4,000 against Buena Vista County Club in Buena Vista Township, Atlantic County.

* $3,000 against Pinelands Golf Course in Winslow Township, Camden County.

* $3,000 against Running Deer Golf Course in Pittsgrove Township, Salem County.

* $1,000 against Cohanzick Country Club in Fairfield Township, Cumberland County.

The required meters were subsequently installed at all four facilities, the DEP said.

Shore Oaks Golf Club in Howell Township, Monmouth County, agreed to pay the largest fine, $50,000, for withdrawing water from four wells and a pond since 1992 without ever getting a water-allocation permit, the DEP said.

Eagle Ridge Golf Course in Lakewood Township, Ocean County, agreed to pay a $25,000 fine for using water from four wells and a pond without getting a permit.

Westlake Golf Course and Country Club in Jackson Township, Ocean County, agreed to pay $15,000 for diverting 29 million gallons of water from eight wells without a water-allocation permit from September 1999 through October 2000, and then exceeding allowable withdrawals in 2001 and during the drought this year.