Bergenfield vs Garfield
How do water restrictions rules compare between Bergenfield, NJ and Garfield, NJ?
Garfield has fewer restrictions than Bergenfield.
Bergenfield, NJ
Bergen County
Bergenfield Chapter 306 authorizes the Borough Administrator to declare water emergencies imposing odd/even sprinkler schedules in Stage I and a complete irrigation ban in Stage II.
View full Bergenfield rules →Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County does not operate a county water utility, so outdoor watering rules come from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection drought declarations and from local water purveyors such as Suez/Veolia, United Water, and municipal systems serving Bergen residents.
View full Garfield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bergenfield | Garfield |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | Chapter 306 | - |
| Stage I odd days | Tuesday and Saturday | - |
| Stage I even days | Wednesday and Sunday | - |
| Stage II | All irrigation banned | - |
| New lawn exception | First 21 days | - |
| Lead agency | - | NJDEP Water Supply |
| Main utility | - | Veolia Water New Jersey |
| Drought authority | - | NJSA 58:1A Water Supply Act |
| Typical limit | - | Two days per week |
| Max penalty | - | $50,000 per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bergenfield FAQ
Are these restrictions always in effect?
No. They activate only after the Borough Administrator declares a Stage I or Stage II water emergency under Chapter 306.
Can I run my in-ground sprinklers during Stage I?
Stage I limits watering to a hand-held hose on the assigned odd or even days; automatic in-ground systems are restricted unless an exception applies.
Do new lawns get a break?
Yes, outdoor irrigation needed to establish newly sodded or seeded lawns within their first 21 consecutive days may be allowed as an exception.
Garfield FAQ
Who sets watering restrictions in Bergen County?
NJDEP issues statewide drought declarations, and local water utilities like Veolia enforce restrictions through tariffs. Bergen County does not run a water utility or impose its own irrigation schedule.
Are private well users exempt from drought rules?
No. NJDEP drought emergency orders under the Water Supply Management Act apply statewide to all users, including private well owners, when the Governor declares a drought emergency.
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