Paramus vs Ridgewood
How do water restrictions rules compare between Paramus, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Paramus has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
Paramus, 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 Paramus rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood Water enforces odd or even address watering days with strict timing rules for sprinklers, hoses, and automatic irrigation systems on all customers.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Paramus | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Odd Addresses | - | Tuesday and Saturday |
| Even Addresses | - | Wednesday and Sunday |
| Auto Sprinkler Hours | - | 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. |
| Max Fine | - | $2,000 per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Paramus 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.
Ridgewood FAQ
When can I water my lawn in Ridgewood?
Your allowed days depend on whether your house number is odd or even. Within those days, automatic sprinklers may run only between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., and handheld watering may occur before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Are new lawns exempt from the watering schedule?
Yes. Newly sodded or seeded lawns may be irrigated outside the schedule for the first 21 consecutive days after planting to establish the grass.
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