Rainfall Allows Ridgewood Water To Ease Restrictions

With rain pelting the region and a flash flood warning in effect, Ridgewood Water has relaxed water restrictions put in place during last week's heat wave.

The village-owned utility, which also serves Wyckoff, Glen Rock and Midland Park, downgraded its water shortage Wednesday morning from a Stage IV emergency to a Stage III, which allows residents and businesses greater flexibility for outdoor irrigation. The decision was made by Village Manager Dr. Ken Gabbert in consultation with utility Director Frank Moritz.

Effective immediately, Ridgewood Water customers are permitted to water outside from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. via manual sprinklers. In-ground, automatic sprinklers can only be used from 1 to 4 a.m.

However, the Stage III alert limits the days when customers can use sprinklers. Customers who own odd-numbered properties are permitted to water under the aforementioned regulations on odd-numbered days, while those with even-numbered properties are allowed to use sprinklers on even-numbered days.

Hand-held hoses are permitted at any time, on any day, except Mondays. No irrigation of any kind can occur on Mondays.

Water restrictions were put in place July 6 due to high temperatures, unexpected consumption and minimal precipitation as the region dealt with a heat index that made it feel as if it was well above 100 degrees for several days.

The utility dispatched staff and police to enforce the restrictions, saying compliance was lacking. However, the restrictions were relaxed on Friday to allow hand-held watering, as the region emerged from the intense heat wave.

Moritz has said the shortage emergency is dependent on sustained rainfall. Storms are possible through Wednesday evening, while forecasts call for clearer skies Thursday and Friday, with a chance of showers on Friday and Saturday.

Customers may contact Ridgewood Water at 201-670-5520 or 201-670-5526 with any questions.

—Nicholas Loffredo