At the time of an official drought, emergency water restrictions are imposed on all New Jerseyans. Grass may be watered up to five days after fertilizer, pesticide, or herbicide is applied, but only up to 45 minutes between proscribed hours. The watering of plants, trees, shrubs and vegetable gardens is prohibited by any means other than by bucket, can or hand- held hose equipped with a nozzle that shuts off automatically when dropped. Agricultural Water Use Food crops are exempted from all restrictions. Sod farms and nurseries can water fields and containers with sprinklers between proscribed hours.
Retail outlets can water between proscribed hours.
No motor vehicles may be privately washed, except ambulances and fire trucks, unless there is a public health threat certified by the municipal department of health. Commercial car washes may remain open, but must meet certain requirements. No water can be served in restaurants, clubs or eating establishments unless specifically requested by the patron. Clay tennis courts may be watered by sprinklers for no more than 10 minutes once each day between prescribed hours. Partially filled pools cannot be drained for maintenance.