There exists in the Borough of Woodbury Heights a need to regulate
the use of water throughout the community.
The adjustable uses of water are regulated as follows:
A. The watering of lawns is prohibited, except as noted below:
(1) Newly installed sod may be watered with sprinklers for 60 days from
the date of planting, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or from 12:00 midnight
to 6:00 a.m., with watering not to exceed 45 minutes per area watered
at any one time. Watering with sprinklers within one hour after laying
is permitted.
(2) Companies engaging in the installation or repair of lawn irrigation
systems may test a customer's newly installed or newly repaired
sprinkler system for a maximum of 10 minutes per sprinkler zone with
no more than 10 minutes of watering allowed in the same area. During
the period of the test, a sign shall be displayed on the front lawn
which shall be at least four by four (4 x 4) feet in size, with lettering
large enough to be clearly visible from the nearest road. The sign
shall read: "Authorized limited testing of sprinkler system," with
the company name, address and telephone number.
(3) Lawns within the municipal confines of the Borough of Woodbury Heights
may be watered between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., and 6:00
a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Residents living in odd-numbered houses may water
on the odd days of the month, while residents living in even-numbered
houses may water on the even days of the month. All watering is to
be done within the times as outlined herein. In no event shall any
section or area of lawn be continuously watered for a period in excess
of one hour.
[Amended 8-17-88 by Ord. No. 18-1988] .
B. The watering of plants, shrubs and vegetable gardens is prohibited
by any means other than by bucket, can or hand-held hose equipped
with a nozzle, which will shut off automatically when dropped. An
exception to this subsection allows for the watering of plants, shrubs
and vegetable gardens during the first 60 days after planting between
the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. every
day of the week provided that the expense of the plants, shrubs and
vegetable gardens is in excess of $1,000.
C. Washing of vehicles.
[Amended 8-17-88 by Ord. No. 18-1988]
(1) The washing of vehicles other than businesses engaged exclusively in car washing shall be permitted during those same hours wherein the resident is permitted to water his lawn in accordance with §
108-2A(3).
(2) The following requirements shall be met at all commercial car-washing
facilities:
(a)
Pre-rinses of vehicles shall be permitted only with recycled
water.
(b)
Rinse cycles shall be 40 seconds or less per vehicle. This may
be accomplished by increasing conveyor speeds.
(c)
Additional measures shall be implemented, such as reducing the
size of water nozzles where possible and plugging all unnecessary
outflows, further reducing consumption.
(d)
All fixtures and equipment shall be inspected for leaks on a
daily basis. Necessary repairs shall be made immediately.
D. The use of water in the sweeping or washing of streets, driveways,
sidewalks or paved areas is prohibited, except in those instances
where a threat to public health may exist, as certified by the Municipal
Department of Health. A minimum amount of water should be used to
accomplish any given task.
E. The use of fire hydrants by fire companies for testing or for Fire
Department drills is prohibited, except as deemed necessary in the
interest of public safety and specifically approved by the municipal
governing body and the purveyor.
F. The use of fire hydrants by the Public Works Department, contractors
and all others is prohibited, except as necessary for fire fighting,
fire-protection purposes or in those cases where a business has traditionally
used water from hydrants with purveyor permission and provided that
all water used is metered and that such usage is necessary for the
maintenance of said business.
G. The use of water for outdoor recreational purposes is prohibited,
subject to the following exceptions:
(1) Swimming pools may be filled once per season. Water remaining in
them from the previous pool season shall not be drained out.
(a)
Do not drain a partially filled pool for maintenance.
(b)
Swimming pool covers should be removed during rains.
(c)
Roof drain pipes should be altered to divert drainage into the
pool.
(d)
Collected rainwater should be used to the maximum extent possible
to fill the pool and to maintain the minimum water level required
for health and safety.
H. The use of any water for ornamental purposes, including fountains,
artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools is prohibited.
I. All commercial and industrial users are directed to reduce water
usage insofar as possible without affecting employment levels.
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Emergency Drought
Plan Ordinance" for the Borough of Woodbury Heights, County of Gloucester
and State of New Jersey.