Lawn Sprinkling/New Lawn Watering Permits

Days Watering Permitted:

Lawn watering and sprinkling with water supplied by the Village water system is permitted seven days a week with the following exceptions. Between May 15th and September 15th of each year, sprinkling and watering of lawns shall be permitted for properties with ODD number postal addresses on ODD numbered calendar days, and at properties with EVEN numbered postal addresses on EVEN numbered calendar days.

Hours for Watering:

Lawn watering and sprinkling with water supplied by the Village water system is permitted between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. and 11:00 P.M. irrespective of the time of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lake Michigan is next door, why can’t I water my lawn?

Chicagoland communities have limits on the amount of water available to them. The Village of New Lenox’s, as well as the other communities, regulations are a necessary part of managing the water we receive.

I’ve seen other people watering during restricted times, why is that?

Some individuals are not aware of the regulations, others decide not to follow them. Those who are aware but do not follow them are subject to fines up to $750 per infraction. To report a concern about water misuses call the Public Works Department at 815-215-4800 or drop us a note at: Report a Concern

Why is the time restrictions 7 am-11am and 7 pm-11pm?

These times are during periods of the day with limited sun exposure, minimizing the water lost to evaporation.

New Lawn Permits:

(1) In the event that new sod or seed has been installed, residents may obtain a permit which will allow them to water those newly planted areas on both odd and even days between the hours of seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and eleven o'clock (11:00) a.m. and seven o'clock (7:00) p.m. and eleven o'clock (11:00) p.m. for a period of 15 days on and after the date of installation of the new sod or seed.

(2) The number of permits to be issued for the watering of new lawns will be limited to 25 for any 15 day period.

(3) A permit fee of $15.00 shall be paid at the time of the issuance of the permit to cover the cost of permit administration.

(4) Permits for watering of new sod or seed will only be issued for new lawns or for restoration of areas meeting or exceeding 25% of the gross area of the existing lawn.

(5) All permits issued must adhere to any EMERGENCY WATERING RESTRICTIONS that may be imposed should drought conditions or water supply emergencies occur, without refunds.

(6) 1 permit allowed per household per year.

Emergency Restrictions:

The Village of New Lenox purchases Lake Michigan Water from the Village of Oak Lawn. Should drought conditions or other water supply emergencies occur, the Village of Oak Lawn may notify the Village of New Lenox to impose EMERGENCY RESTRICTIONS. Should this be necessary, we ask that residents cooperate in seeing that we have enough water for FIRE PROTECTION, domestic, and other necessary uses. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Village Office at (815) 215-4800 EMERGENCY RESTRICTIONS

Under emergency circumstances or extended drought conditions, water usage may be restricted as defined below:

Tier 1 (conservation emergency):

Sprinkling or irrigation of lawns or gardens shall be permitted only on an odd/ even basis between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. (evening watering is not allowed under this restriction)

Tier II (total ban):

Sprinkling or irrigation of lawns or gardens (manually or by an automatic lawn sprinkler or irrigation system) is prohibited.

Deduct Meters:

Per Village Code, Section 94-141 (c), if a user feels that a significant amount of metered water does not reach the sanitary sewer, the user may request from the Village an additional meter (deduct meter) to be installed to calculate the volume of water not discharged to the sanitary sewer. Request for a second meter must be made in writing, and the user is responsible for all cost subject to such meter and installation. The meter installation shall be inspected and sealed by the plumbing inspector or Village representative before the meter is put into service. The user shall make all arrangements necessary for the final inspection.

Tips on Conserving Water and Having a Healthy Lawn

1) Water deeply NOT frequently. Your lawn will be healthier if it receives around 1” of water every 3 – 4 days. Providing more will over-saturate the soil, causing water to run-off.
2) Make sure you are watering your lawn and not the pavement. Water that falls on sidewalks or streets goes into our sewer system, running up your water bill and wasting water.
3) Use a rain gauge. Rain gauges will tell you how much rain fell, and how much more water, if any, you should add by sprinkling.
4) Sprinklers are available with dials that can be set to water specific amounts. Check your local hardware store or garden center for them.
5) If you have an automatic system, make sure it has a rain meter installed. This will prevent the system from running during rainstorms.

Additional information about lawn care and maintenance can be found at the University of Illinois Extension web site www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/lawntalk.