Ridgewood Water Bans Sprinklers During Dry Spell

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — Due to the hot, dry weather, Ridgewood Water has implemented Stage IV water restrictions for all of its customers, with fines of up to $1,250 for failure to comply.

Ridgewood homeowners have to follow the village's restrictions for watering their lawns.
Photo Credit: *File photo*

Rebecca Abma

09/04/2015 6:00 a.m.

The irrigation ban, put in effect Sept. 4, allows for hand-held watering only on Tuesdays and Saturdays for odd-numbered houses and Wednesdays and Sundays for even-numbered houses. No sprinklers may be used at this time

"The importance of obeying these restrictions cannot be overstated – this is a public safety issue," the utility company said in a release. "It is vital for Ridgewood Water to maintain reserves for household uses and firefighting."

The company, which serves homes in Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Midland Park and Wyckoff, automatically institutes Stage I restrictions June 1 to Aug. 31. Stage II water restrictions went into effect in early August.

By Ridgewood ordinance, Stage IV restrictions prohibit irrigation at any time, with exceptions as prescribed by the borough manager.

"All waivers granted when we were in Stages I and II have been canceled," Ridgewood Water Business Manager Dave Scheibner told Daily Voice. "Depending on circumstances, the use of hand-held hoses may also be banned."

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