In a recent village council meeting, officials addressed critical water management issues following a tense period of heightened water usage due to extreme heat. The council expressed gratitude to residents of Ridgewood, Glenrock, Wyckoff, and Midland Park for their cooperation in averting a stage 3 water emergency over the past week.

The village manager highlighted the challenges faced by Ridgewood Water, noting that the local water system lacks the extensive reservoirs found in other municipalities, which limits its ability to store rainwater for future use. The manager explained that excessive lawn watering during the heatwave led to dangerously low levels in storage tanks, prompting urgent communication efforts to educate residents on water conservation.

Efforts included reverse 911 calls, social media outreach, and direct engagement by Ridgewood water employees who visited homes to request that residents cease lawn watering. The Ridgewood Police Department played a crucial role in disseminating information and ensuring public safety, particularly concerning fire suppression capabilities.

As a result of these collaborative efforts and a recent drop in temperatures, the village has returned to a regular stage 2 watering schedule, allowing residents to water their lawns twice a week. Officials emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to prevent future restrictions, especially as summer temperatures rise.

The meeting underscored the village's commitment to transparency and community engagement, with officials responding personally to resident inquiries and monitoring water usage trends in neighboring municipalities. The situation has improved significantly, but officials remain vigilant as they navigate the ongoing challenges of water management in the region.