Woodbridge, NJ Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Woodbridge, 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 resolution declaring water emergency
- Odd/even rule
- Even numbers water even days, odd numbers odd days
- Monthly blackout
- 31st of any month fully banned
- Max resolution length
- 90 days unless extended
- Second offense fine
- $500 or 10 days jail
- Third offense fine
- $1,000 or 30 days jail
Summary
Woodbridge has no year-round watering-day schedule. Outdoor irrigation limits only take effect after the Municipal Council formally declares a water emergency under Township Code Chapter 29. Once declared, the resolution can impose a complete outdoor-water ban or an odd/even house-number watering schedule, enforced with escalating fines.
Upon adoption by the Municipal Council of a resolution declaring that a water emergency exists in the Township in accordance with subsection 29-2.1, all citizens shall be urged to observe voluntary indoor conservation measures and any of the following water use restrictions shall be imposed and shall be applicable to all residents and tenants, except where a bona fide health emergency exists, and to exempt businesses, as specified herein during the water emergency: ... b. Outside water usage on alternate days allowing outside water usage by persons or businesses having even house or box numbers on even days and those having odd house or box numbers on odd days with outside water usage being completely banned and prohibited on the 31st day of any month during the water emergency.
Full Breakdown
Woodbridge Code Chapter 29 does not restrict lawn watering by default; the Township relies on emergency declarations instead. 1, the Municipal Council must adopt a resolution finding a water emergency, either because the public water utility has imposed its own restrictions and notified the Township, the Board of Public Utilities and the DEP, or because the Council is otherwise satisfied an emergency exists. 2 applies, and it takes effect immediately upon publication for up to 90 days unless extended. 2 gives the Council three options: a complete ban on all outside water use including lawn and plant watering, pool filling and car washing; an odd/even schedule letting even house or box numbers water on even calendar days and odd numbers on odd days, with all outside watering banned on the 31st of any month; or another restriction the Council finds reasonable for the specific emergency.
The rules apply to residents, tenants and businesses alike, except where a bona fide health emergency or business exemption applies. 3, the restriction lapses automatically when the stated time period in the resolution expires, unless the Council readopts it after confirming the emergency continues.
Violations & Fines
A local authorized official enforces the restrictions under § 29-2.4 by issuing a written warning on a first offense and explaining the penalties that follow. Under § 29-2.5, a second violation carries a $500 fine or up to 10 days' imprisonment, or both; a third or later violation carries a $1,000 fine or up to 30 days' imprisonment, or both. The enforcement official may also issue summonses directly for violations of the imposed restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Woodbridge always ban odd/even day watering?
What happens on the 31st of the month during a declared emergency?
What is the penalty for watering on the wrong day during an emergency?
Are businesses covered by the watering restrictions?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Woodbridge
How Woodbridge compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare Woodbridge to another location·View the New Jersey landscaping rules overview
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