New Milford council debates DEP model water-conservation ordinance; favors education over mandates
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Summary
Council members discussed a model water-conservation ordinance from the NJDEP and sustainable-jurisdiction templates, with the environmental commission split on punitive measures. The council favored an education campaign and deferred mandatory restrictions pending further review.
Council members held an extended discussion on whether New Milford should adopt a model water-conservation ordinance recommended by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainable Jersey.
Councilwoman Saint Petersburg introduced the item, noting the borough has been in a drought warning since November and that the DEP urged municipalities to adopt watering restrictions to protect drinking-water supplies. "The aim with adopting a water conservation ordinance is to avoid a water emergency where the governor would have to call a state of emergency," she told the council.
The proposed model recommends limiting automated landscape watering to two days per week, restricting watering to early morning or evening hours, and setting a recommended 30 minutes per irrigation zone. The model also includes provisions for smart controllers on newly installed irrigation systems and incentives for retrofitting existing systems with smart controllers.
Council reactions were mixed. Several members expressed concern about enforcement, potential burdens on residents and businesses (for example, new seedings, school and field irrigation, or commercial pressure-washing), and the cost or complexity of retrofitting irrigation systems. One council member said the environmental commission is "split down the middle" and urged the borough to avoid punitive measures that might unduly burden residents.
Multiple council members suggested starting with an education and outreach program rather than an ordinance: run a public-awareness campaign, involve schools, post guidance in borough buildings and on social media, and treat the effort as a "teaching moment." Council President Duffy and others said borough properties should follow any recommended restrictions where feasible and that staff should be mindful of irrigation needs for newly seeded fields.
No ordinance was adopted or formally introduced at the meeting. The council directed staff to work with the environmental commission on an educational component and to return with revised language and implementation options at a future meeting.
