Norwalk, CT Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Chapter 57C, adopted May 14, 2002, lets the Mayor declare a water-related public emergency after the First or Second Taxing District and the Director of Health advise that the public water supply is at or nearing a state drought classification. Once declared and published twice in a daily newspaper, the Mayor may make it unlawful to sprinkle, water or irrigate shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground cover, plants, vines and flowers, except stock kept for sale; to fill or drain ponds, rivers or lakes used recreationally; to wash cars, trucks, trailers or boats (automated commercial washes are still allowed if they use no more than 45 gallons of potable water per vehicle and file a water-conservation plan with the Director of Health); to use fire hydrants for non-emergency purposes; or to wash sidewalks, driveways, pavement, porches and building exteriors.

The Director of Health can also propose additional use-restriction regulations, which take legal effect once the Board of Health and Common Council approve them and they are published in a newspaper of general circulation. Restrictions stay in force until the Taxing Districts and Director of Health advise the Mayor the emergency has ended and the Mayor publishes a termination notice.