Toms River, NJ Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Toms River, NJ, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Council-declared water emergency only
- First offense fine
- $100
- Repeat offense penalty
- $500 + up to 30 days service
- Covers
- Public water and private well users
- Adopted
- 5-23-2006, Ord. No. 4009-06
Summary
Toms River Township restricts lawn and yard watering only when the Township Council formally declares a water emergency by resolution: there's no standing watering-day or time schedule in normal conditions.
§ 589-49. Unlawful uses. If restricted under an emergency declaration issued pursuant to § 589-50 of this article, the use and withdrawal of water by any person for the following purposes may be prohibited and/or regulated:
A. Watering yards: the sprinkling, watering or irrigation of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers or any vegetation.
B. Washing mobile equipment: the washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, or any other type of mobile equipment.
C. Cleaning outdoor surfaces: the washing of sidewalks, walkways, driveways, porches and other outdoor surfaces.
D. Cleaning buildings: the washing of the outside of dwellings; the washing of the inside and outside of office buildings.
E. Cleaning equipment and machinery: the washing and cleaning of any business or industrial equipment and machinery.
F. Ornamental fountains: the operation of any ornamental fountain or other structure making a similar use of water.
G. Swimming pools: the operation of any swimming and wading pool, whether private or public.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4954830; v33 updated 2026-04-22; through 04-22-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under § 589-49 of the Water Use Restrictions article, watering yards (sprinkling, watering, or irrigating shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers, or any vegetation) becomes an unlawful use only "if restricted under an emergency declaration" issued by Council resolution per § 589-50. The declaration sets the specific restrictions, exceptions, and duration. Absent a declared emergency, the article imposes no routine lawn-watering days or hours, and it applies to both public water customers and private well owners unless the declaration says otherwise.
Violations & Fines
Violating a declared water emergency's watering restrictions carries a $100 fine for a first offense; repeat offenses draw a $500 fine plus up to 30 days of community service under § 589-54.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Toms River Township have year-round watering-day restrictions?
What happens if I water my lawn during a declared water emergency?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Toms River
How Toms River compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare Toms River to another location·View the New Jersey landscaping rules overview
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Water Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle water restrictions.