New Britain, CT Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

New Britain adopted its water use restriction ordinance, now codified at Code of Ordinances Section 23-124, by Resolution No. 33876-2 on August 23, 2017. The city, in consultation with the board of water commissioners and the deputy director of the public works utility division, may declare a state of water use restriction when there is an identified water shortage or emergency. Once a restriction is declared and publicly noticed in a newspaper of general circulation, Section 23-124(e) authorizes a menu of enforceable limits: automatic sprinkler systems can be banned outright, except to establish new sod or seed, or to test a newly installed or repaired system; outdoor watering can be confined to specified off-peak days, such as weekends only; watering can be restricted to bucket, can, or hand-held hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle; or outdoor watering can be banned altogether except for agriculture, sod farms, and nursery stock.

Car washing outside a commercial car wash and washing of driveways, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces can also be prohibited. The New Britain Police Department enforces the ordinance: a first violation carries a fine up to $100, a second up to $200, and a third or later violation requires a mandatory court appearance plus a $250 fine. Property owners who believe a restriction unfairly harms their livelihood, health, or sanitation may apply in writing to the city for a waiver, which the director of health decides within three days of referral.