During a recent government meeting in Ridgewood, officials discussed the implementation and enforcement of water ordinances aimed at managing water quality and pressure, particularly in relation to PFAS levels. The council highlighted that neighboring municipalities—Midland Park, Wyckoff, and Glenrock—had adopted similar ordinances following a letter from Ridgewood officials earlier this year. However, only Glenrock agreed to enforce the ordinance, leaving Ridgewood unable to enforce compliance in Midland Park and Wyckoff, where warnings are currently issued without penalties.

The importance of enforcement was emphasized, with Ridgewood officials noting that without it, the ordinance lacks effectiveness. They shared that since the ordinance's introduction in 2017, enforcement has led to significant compliance among residents.

Looking ahead, officials outlined plans for both short-term and long-term solutions to improve water pressure and fire protection. The short-term fix is estimated to cost around $300,000, while a more permanent solution could take up to two years and cost approximately $2 million.

Additionally, the meeting addressed communication issues that arose during a recent water emergency. Officials acknowledged the need to enhance the village's reverse 911 system, which had proven inadequate in reaching all residents during the crisis. Plans are underway to collect and integrate contact information from various village departments into the system, ensuring that notifications are sent via phone, text, and email in future emergencies.

The village aims to complete this data collection within the next 30 days and will notify residents about their inclusion in the system, allowing them the option to opt out if desired. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve communication and ensure residents are informed during critical situations.