Queens County, NY Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

NYC, including Queens, generally has abundant water supply from the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds, which provide approximately 1 billion gallons per day of high-quality drinking water to 9.6 million NYC residents and upstate communities. As a result, Queens does not have routine lawn-watering day restrictions common in drought-prone regions. However, NYC DEP can declare a Drought Watch, Drought Warning, or Drought Emergency under its Drought Management Plan when reservoir storage falls below defined thresholds. During a Drought Watch (storage below 65%), voluntary conservation is encouraged. During a Drought Warning (below 50%), lawn and garden watering, car washing, and sidewalk spraying are restricted, with even/odd address day watering rules and time limits. During a Drought Emergency (below 33%), most non-essential water use is banned. All car washes using municipal water must have recycling equipment. Outdoor restaurant ornamental fountains require permits. Residential irrigation systems are encouraged but not required to use rain sensors. The most recent formal NYC drought declaration was in November 2024. Daily lawn watering is generally permitted without restriction outside drought periods, though NYC DEP encourages deep infrequent watering and use of mulch.