Flood water can destroy the performance of a turf athletic field in a single event

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, according to Professional Sports Field Services, “Flood water can destroy the performance of a turf athletic field in a single event. Not that will occur everytime, but the potential is always there.

Thorough and proper planning for the site would have prevented a flood event in the first place. If a flood plane is the chosen site to install a turf field, then some form of mitigation or divergence would be appropriate if allowed by regulating agencies. If not, relocating the field, using natural grass, or some other alternative would be wise. Of course if you are reading this article, then it’s too late for the planning part isn’t it?”

Professional Sports Field Services is an ,artificial and synthetic turf maintenance, cleaning, disinfecting, and repair service.

Interesting they site ,”the approach to preventing long term damage is similar for both cases. It sounds crazy but the best thing to do is add water! As the flood waters begin to recede, immediately and continually rinse off the receding edge of the water line, keeping the silt suspended in the flood water, not giving the silt a chance to settle into or onto the turf fibers and infill.

It takes a lot of water to accomplish this so multiple fire hoses will be required because you will have a large area to cover. Plan on spending a fair amount of time keeping fresh rinse water pushed against the flood line as it recedes because it will be a good investment in protecting the performance and life of your field.”

https://www.psfs.us/artificial_turf_flood_clean_up_and_other_critical_situations?fbclid=IwAR08VQzAgrsYhd4v_qX6V2zVpl_1wiUHzaCISrEfWk910utHynj_XND4D6E

Meanwhile Ridgewood has permanent Stage II water restrictions from Ridgewood Water due to the lack of infrastructure . From Ridgewod Waters site: This is a reminder that Stage II water restrictions remain in effect.  Odd numbered addresses may irrigate on Tuesdays and Saturdays only.  Even numbered addresses may irrigate on Wednesdays and Sundays only.  No irrigation is allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays.  Irrigation shall be performed before 10 am or after 6 pm, to limit evaporation.  EXCEPTIONS: Irrigation is allowed any day (within time restrictions noted above) if utilizing a hand held hose or drip irrigation, or if a smart watering exemption is obtained from the office of Ridgewood Water. The restriction level is at Stage II because in the summer water is consumed at a greater rate than the Ridgewood Water supply system can sustain, thus reducing the amount of water in reserve for firefighting and other emergencies. Compliance with the Stage II restrictions will reduce the likelihood that more severe controls will be needed. We thank our customers for their understanding and support. For the latest information including Restriction Status, Water Saving Tips, Smart Water Exemption Forms and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit our website at water.ridgewoodnj.net.