Water Conservation Measure in Officials' Sights

Township officials are currently reviewing a water conservation proposal whose adoption would further the governing body's goal of achieving Sustainable Jersey certification.

However, such an ordinance, which could restrict irrigation throughout the township while setting penalties on those who run afoul of its restrictions, may not be embraced, pending officials' review. And while adopting a comprehensive policy toward irrigation would earn the township points toward the Sustainable Jersey certification, it is not necessary to achieve the distinction.

"There are too many avenues (to explore) before we can form an opinion," said Committeeman Kevin Rooney.

Governing body members will wait for a report from township Attorney Robert Landel, who is charged with reviewing a draft ordinance prepared by the state Department of Environmental Protection. That draft sets tight restrictions on all types of watering and would be a supplement to the restrictions occasionally (and currently) set by Ridgewood Water, which affect a large portion of the township.

"We're all concerned about water," Rooney said. The ordinance is "something we need to look at for the residents."

Committeeman Brian Scanlan agreed while sounding the same note of caution.

"I would need to see the specifics," Scanlan said, "but since we've had problems with water pressure in parts of town, it may be something to pursue."

However, governing body members are mindful of the impact water restrictions could have on residents' ability to maintain their properties and would seek to strike a balance between conservation and beautification if such a proposal is ever adopted.

"We're very attentive to the beautification of the town," Committeeman Chris DePhillips said.

Township residents who receive service from Ridgewood Water are still on restrictions put in place earlier this summer in response to blistering heat, minimal precipitation and high consumption. The Stage III emergency currently in effect limits the times and days when residents and businesses can use either manual or automatic sprinklers, while allowing hand-held hoses to be used anytime other than Mondays, when all irrigation is banned.

Those who violate the restrictions could be fined at least $50, while repeat offenders could even see their water turned off. Ridgewood Water Director Frank Moritz said earlier this summer that compliance was a problem, and he had staff touring neighborhoods for violators. However, it's unclear whether Ridgewood Water staff monitor neighborhoods in its outlying service areas—Wyckoff, Midland Park and Glen Rock. Moritz did not return a call for comment.

While township ordinances ensure that Ridgewood Water customers must comply with any and all restrictions, such measures do not capture the many Wyckoff residents who are on well water. Adopting a comprehensive water ordinance would extend any restrictions to all residents and businesses, with a few exceptions, while leaving enforcement efforts to the township.

"There doesn't appear to be anything prohibiting us" from restricting water usage throughout the township, said DePhillips, who while on well water said his family voluntarily adheres to Ridgewood Water restrictions.

Wyckoff couldn't necessarily take action to lessen Ridgewood Water mandates but could adopt an ordinance that goes beyond the utility's restrictions, if it so chose.

The draft ordinance prepared by the DEP recommends municipalities restrict watering to two days a week, during set time periods, not to exceed 30 minutes at a time. It also sets specific mandates on owners of large properties who may have a system monitored by an irrigation manager. Under the DEP recommendations, violators would receive a written warning on the first offense and penalties thereafter.

The draft also recommends that municipalities exempt those who may harvest rain water for personal use, as well as businesses that harvest crops or raise flowers, such as an Abma's Farm.

Additionally, the DEP draft would exempt residents who need to water more consistently in keeping with new landscaping or treated green space, to ensure its survival.

Committeeman Rooney, a certified tree expert and liaison to the Shade Tree Commission, said the township "would have to be cautious" if it ever adopted a conservation ordinance, as officials wouldn't want to negatively impact those trying to beautify their properties.

"It wouldn't be fair to limit their ability to do that," he said.

Adopting a water conservation ordinance is one of several priority items recommended by Sustainable Jersey, which is a voluntary program that can lead to grant monies. Half of New Jersey's communities are currently pursuing certification. 

See this article for more on the township's efforts to achieve certification.