Boil Water Advisory Still in Effect

UPDATE: Ridgewood Water rescinded its advisory at 10 p.m. Sunday. See the attached pdf for details.

A boil water advisory issued by Ridgewood Water is still in effect for Ridgewood and Glen Rock residents, in addition to certain customers in Wyckoff and Midland Park.

While the utility initially said it had not found specific problems with the water supply, it issued the advisory Friday as a general precaution after a loss of water pressure in certain areas. Samples were taken, with some showing "indications of potential concern," prompting another round of testing.

In Wyckoff, Bush Lane, Goffle Road, Hopper Avenue and Ravine Court and Ravine Avenue (between Hopper Avenue and Goffle Road) are affected.

In Midland Park, a warning was issued for Goffle Road and Lake and Maltbie avenues.

Residents throughout Ridgewood Water's system have complained of not receiving notice of the problem, although a Reverse 911 call was supposed to have gone out to all affected customers. The utility acknowledges that many did not receive notice of the problem and said the system is being reviewed. 

Wyckoff Township Committeeman Brian Scanlan had been dropping off fliers to residents affected by the advisory this weekend and has been working with police Chief Benjamin Fox to urge the utility to make direct contact with customers who need to heed the advisory.

The utility is expected to have an update on the situation before 10 p.m. Sunday. Residents should expect a Reverse 911 call or can check www.ridgewoodnj.net for updates.

Ridgewood Water issued the following guidelines: 

• Do not drink tap water. 
• Wash dishes, fruits, and vegetables in boiled water.
• Do not use ice recently made from tap water.
• Brush your teeth with boiled or bottled water. 
• Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, baby formula or ice.
• Cook with tap water ONLY if food is boiled for at least one minute. 
• Wash your hands and bath as usual.

For healthy ingestion, Ridgewood Water says to bring water to a boil for one minute and then let it cool. This warning also applies to water filters, as they are not fitted to "mitigate bacteriological concerns."