April in New Jersey is a time of renewal. As temperatures rise, homeowners across North New Jersey are eager to see their lawns return to a lush, vibrant green. However, this spring is different. As of March 2026, New Jersey remains under a statewide Drought Warning, with key local water sources like the Oradell and Wanaque reservoirs remaining below their long-term averages .
This presents a critical challenge: How do you achieve a healthy spring lawn without wasting precious water? The answer lies not in watering more, but in watering smarter. At Greg Tanzer Sprinklers, we believe that a beautiful landscape and responsible water stewardship can, and must, go hand-in-hand.
This guide will show you how to prepare your irrigation system for April to conserve water, save money, and comply with local regulations during this historic drought.
The Problem with Traditional Irrigation in a Drought
For decades, the standard approach to irrigation has been a simple clock-based controller. You set it at the beginning of the season and let it run. Unfortunately, this “set it and forget it” method is a primary source of water waste. These systems are unintelligent; they will water your lawn for 30 minutes even if it rained all night or if the day is cool and overcast.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), landscape irrigation accounts for nearly one-third of all residential water use nationwide. Homes with automatic irrigation systems can use about 50 percent more water outdoors than those without them. During a drought, this level of inefficiency is simply unsustainable.
The Solution: Smart Controllers and Strategic Watering
The single most effective upgrade you can make to your irrigation system is installing a smart, weather-based controller. Unlike old-fashioned timers, a Hydrawise smart controller acts like a thermostat for your sprinkler system, using local weather data to tailor watering schedules to your lawn’s actual needs.
Feature of Smart Irrigation – How It Saves Water in New Jersey
-Weather-Based Adjustments – Automatically skips watering cycles when it rains and reduces watering times on cool, cloudy days.
-Seasonal Programming – Understands that a lawn needs less water in the cool days of April than in the heat of July, adjusting schedules accordingly.
-App-Based Control – Allows for instant manual adjustments from your smartphone, giving you full control from anywhere.
-Cycle-and-Soak Watering – Prevents runoff on slopes and clay soils by splitting watering times into shorter cycles, allowing water to soak deep into the root zone.
Upgrading to a smart controller, such as the Hydrawise Wi-Fi system installed by Greg Tanzer Sprinklers, can save the average home up to 15,000 gallons of water annually, according to the EPA. During a drought, that’s a critical saving for both the environment and your wallet.
Your Smart Watering Schedule for April in Northern NJ
As you activate your system in April, it’s crucial to water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong, drought-resistant roots. A lawn only needs about one inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Day – Watering Action – Pro Tip
Day 1 (e.g., Tuesday) – Water deeply in the early morning (3 AM – 7 AM). Aim for about 30-45 minutes per zone, depending on your sprinkler type. Watering early minimizes evaporation. Check your town’s rules; many in Bergen County have odd/even day restrictions (e.g., odd-numbered addresses water on Tuesdays, even on Wednesdays).
Day 2-3 – Do Not Water. Let the soil begin to dry out. This encourages roots to grow deeper in search of moisture, making your lawn more resilient.
Day 4 (e.g., Friday) – Water deeply again in the early morning. A second deep watering should be sufficient for the week in April’s mild temperatures.
Day 5-7 – Do Not Water. Observe your lawn. If your grass springs back when you step on it, it does not need more water.
Important: If you receive at least a quarter-inch of rain, skip your next scheduled watering day. A smart controller does this for you automatically.
A Professional Irrigation Audit is Key
Even the smartest controller can’t fix a leaky or inefficient system. With the NJDEP urging residents to check for leaks, a professional irrigation audit is more important than ever. Before you ramp up watering, the experts at Greg Tanzer Sprinklers can perform a comprehensive system check to ensure you’re not wasting a single drop.
Our Water Conservation Audit includes:
1. Leak Detection: Systematically checking for hidden underground leaks or weeping valves that can waste thousands of gallons.
2. Sprinkler Head Adjustment: Ensuring every head is spraying correctly and not watering the sidewalk, driveway, or street.
3. Pressure Regulation: Checking for excess water pressure that causes misting and evaporation.
4. Smart Controller Upgrade: Providing a free estimate to upgrade your old timer to a WaterSense certified smart controller.
5. Certified Backflow Testing: Performing the legally required annual test to ensure your drinking water is safe.
Don’t Let Your Lawn Suffer in the Drought
A green lawn and a water-conscious mindset are not mutually exclusive. By embracing smart irrigation technology and strategic watering practices, you can maintain your home’s curb appeal while doing your part for New Jersey’s water supply.
Contact Greg Tanzer Sprinkelrs today to schedule your spring activation and water conservation audit. Let our 40+ years of experience in Northern NJ help you navigate this drought with a healthy, efficient, and beautiful landscape.
Call (888) 237-6252 or request a free estimate online to get started!