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 for 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 and 11 am and 7 and 11 pm, irrespective of the time of the year.

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 7 to 11 am and 7 to 11 pm 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 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 in the following:

• 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 and 11 am (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. The user may purchase a deduct meter in person at the New Lenox village Hall. 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.

For more information, review the Revised Deduct Meter Policy (PDF).

Tips on Conserving Water and Having a Healthy Lawn

1. Water deeply, not frequently. Your lawn will be healthier if it receives around 1 foot of water every 3 to 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.