A bubbling fountain. A koi pond. The gentle trickle of water that turns your urban outdoor space into an oasis. Water features are an amazing way to bring peace and life into your NYC garden—but before you start digging or installing pumps, it’s important to understand the rules. Yes, even water needs to follow code in New York.
At Eco Brooklyn, we specialize in outdoor landscapes that blend natural beauty with smart, city-friendly design. If you’re dreaming of a water feature in your garden, here’s how to make it happen without running into trouble with NYC regulations.
1. Understand the Scope of Your Project
Start by asking:
How big is the feature?
Is it ornamental (like a fountain) or functional (like a rainwater catchment system)?
Does it recirculate water, or will it connect to the city’s plumbing?
In general:
- Simple, self-contained water features (like solar-powered fountains or recirculating waterfalls) usually don’t need permits.
- Plumbed or electrically powered systems may require inspection, especially if you’re connecting to the municipal water or sewer system.
- Anything that collects or stores rainwater (think ponds, rain gardens) could fall under NYC stormwater guidelines.
2. The Safe Bet – Stick With Recirculating Systems
To stay on the safe side (and avoid skyrocketing water bills), opt for recirculating water features. These systems cycle the same water over and over, usually using a small submersible pump. The good news:
- They don’t need plumbing.
- They use minimal electricity.
- Many are plug-and-play or solar-powered, keeping it green and legal.
3. Stay Clear of Sewer Connections for your Water Feature
Here’s where things get tricky. If your water feature connects to a drain or sewer line, you’re now in DOB/DEP territory. That means:
- You’ll need permits.
- You may need backflow preventers to avoid contaminating the city supply.
- You might even need a licensed plumber or contractor to file plans with the Department of Buildings (DOB).
If you’re hiring someone, make sure they’re familiar with NYC water codes.
4. Electrical Safety Is Key
Even small water features often use pumps, and pumps need power. If you’re installing new wiring outdoors, you’ll need:
- Outdoor-rated GFCI outlets.
- Proper weatherproofing.
- Possibly an electrician for safe installation and inspection.
But here’s a pro tip:
Solar-powered pumps are a great workaround. No wiring, no permits, and they’re eco-friendly too.
5. Don’t Forget DEP Stormwater Rules
NYC has strict guidelines on stormwater runoff. If your feature collects or diverts rainwater -like a pond, rain garden, or permeable fountain base – you need to:
- Avoid directing overflow into the city sewer system.
- Follow green infrastructure best practices, like using gravel bases or rain barrels.
Bonus: These types of installations may make your garden eligible for NYC Green Infrastructure grants. Ask us more—we help clients with this all the time.
6. Be a Good Neighbor
NYC gardens are close quarters. Before installing:
- Make sure water spray or overflow won’t impact your neighbor’s space.
- Use quiet pumps or natural gravity-fed flows if sound could be an issue.
- Keep it mosquito-free by circulating water regularly or adding mosquito-repellent plants or fish.
7. Get Expert Help When in Doubt
If your project is complex – or you just want peace of mind – talk to a reputed local eco-landscaper (hi, that’s us!). We’ve worked with city agencies, historic districts, and brownstone owners across the boroughs. We’ll help you design something beautiful, legal, and sustainable.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to bend the rules to enjoy a peaceful water feature in your NYC backyard. With the right setup, you can enjoy the soothing sounds of water without any regulatory headaches.
At Eco Brooklyn, we believe nature belongs in the city – and that includes the gentle burble of a backyard fountain. If you’re ready to add a water feature to your outdoor space, we’re here to help make it happen.
Thinking of adding a water feature to your NYC garden?
Let’s build something beautiful and compliant: contact Eco Brooklyn today.