Wayne, NJ Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Section 205-34 of the Wayne Township Code, added 5-17-2023 by Ord. No. 16-2023, prohibits use of water from the Wayne Township water system for watering lawns and landscaping on certain days of the week. Properties at even numbered addresses are allowed to water lawns and landscaping on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Properties at odd numbered addresses are allowed to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, only landscaping items such as plants and shrubs can be watered, and that applies at any location.

The code defines lawns and landscaping as grass areas, bushes, shrubs, trees, planting beds and any other outdoor plantings. Exceptions are made for newly planted lawn and landscaping materials for 30 days after the date of planting, for agricultural operations, for nurseries and for athletic fields. The regulation does not apply to other non-essential outdoor water uses such as car washing, power washing, outdoor fountains or pool filling.

The odd-even schedule is the everyday rule. Article VIII of Chapter 205 adds emergency tiers. Under Section 205-53, the Mayor, with the advice and consent of 2/3 of the Council, formally proclaims an emergency. Section 205-54 then sets one of two types. In the first, sprinkling of lawns, shrubbery and gardens is limited to certain days of the week and certain hours of the day set by Council resolution, based on recommendations from the Director of Public Works. In the second, sprinkling of lawns, shrubbery and gardens is prohibited until the proclamation ends. Under Section 205-55, the Township Clerk gives notice by mailing written notice to users of the Wayne Township water system within 48 hours, or by publishing the proclamation in a newspaper published or circulated in the Township. When the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection declares a water supply emergency under the Water Supply Management Act, the State's restrictions, regulations, surcharges and penalties stay in effect until NJDEP ends the emergency. Section 205-39 adds that the Division of Water and Sewers can recommend suspending or restricting lawn, shrubbery and garden sprinkling in a prolonged scarcity of water.