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Ridgewood Water to Host Consumer Forums July 27th and August 2

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YOU ARE INVITED TO RIDGEWOOD WATER CONSUMER FORUMS TO BE HELD JULY 27 & AUGUST 2

You are invited…
Ridgewood Water consumers are invited to attend two public forums for information
and explanation of the recently mailed Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The first
event will take place on Wednesday, July 27 at 9:00 am in the Courtroom of Ridgewood
Village Hall. The second event will take place on Tuesday, August 2 at 7:00 pm in
the Youth Center of Ridgewood Village Hall. Village Hall is located at 131 N. Maple Ave.,
Ridgewood. Space is limited, so please register by contacting Donna Omelianuk,
Ridgewood Water, at 201-670-5500 ext. 271 or by email at domelianuk@ridgewoodnj.net.
The CCR that was mailed contains minor errors that have been corrected in the online
version available at water.ridgewoodnj.net. Any questions on this issue or Ridgewood
Water will be answered at the forums.

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Ridgewood Rain sensor ordinance for in-ground sprinklers

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June 26,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Is there anything more annoying than driving by a house with in-ground sprinklers that are on while it is raining or right after a rain? Why hasn’t the village mandated the use of sensors for new systems? Why hasn’t Ridgewood Water bought, in bulk, sensors and given them away to what would then be non-conforming, pre-existing systems? Why? The continued lack of common and fiscal sense from village hall is appalling. From the Garber Sq $14k sign, to the neglect of the Hudson St lot, to the bike lane to nowhere and now this.

This sensor [the first result on Google] retails for $29: https://store.rainbird.com/timers/rain-moisture-sensors/rsdbex-rain-sensor-with-bracket.html . How much of a bulk discount could you get on a few hundred? How much water does the sensor need to save before it pays for itself over 2 years? In my previous town, same population as Ridgewood, they gave out low-flow shower heads door-to-door because even a low adoption rate saved water.

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Reader says Solve the problem at its source, Ridgewood water

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Very strange town this has become. We reward homeowners for having a nice landscape and keeping their homes looking good. Many homes plant new lawns,scrubs, and flowers every spring requiring frequent watering. We pay high taxes, high utility bills, high maintenance on our homes, with ever increasing prices.

Now some neighbors are looking for more effective ways to report each other. Some very bored or just unhappy souls need a better way to report someone. What a unhappy way to live. A neighbor won’t know if an exception had been granted, or a homeowner has a private well, so perhaps they should just mind their business. I was raised to respect a neighbor, mind my own business, and if I did have a issue take it up directly with the person, never hide behind a phone call Seems a way to destroy a community, when we “report” each other instead of solving the issue together.

We should be pressing the water company to correct the system shortcomings and find a solution to avoid annual restrictions. We should press for more storage tanks, better delivery, and just improvements.

Solve the problem at its source, Ridgewood water

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Reader asks Who is the new Ridgewood watering czar?

water meter theridgewoodblog.net

Who is the new watering czar? I want to know where to call to report a neighbor’s system that’s watering at illegal times and has done so for years. It has to be anonymous. Is there such a thing?

Water Dept. wants us to approach the neighbor in person. Not gonna happen.

I have suggested a “tip line” before with no result. They’d get a million calls from frustrated neighbors. Last year the schools were watering at the wrong times, it was reported on the blog. They can be fined, too, although they’d pay with our money! But they could get reprimanded.

I’d guess that in 99% of cases, the owners have no idea that there are restrictions (despite the robo-calls, which they either don’t listen to or figure are meant for other people) or don’t think they apply to them…and in addition, have no idea how to reconfigure their sprinkler systems, and won’t pay their suppliers for a house call. People must be told, firmly, that they MUST learn how to reprogram their systems to comply with rules quickly, as they change. Last night’s call had me dashing out to the garage to remove one day–today–from the cycle.

I would give a pass to anyone who was on vacation, until they got home.

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Time to Plot a Future for Ridgewood Water

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June 4,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Summer Water Restriction season once again and the Ridgewood blog just has to ask ; are we the only one who wonders what it is going to take to fix this thing and get the Ridgewood water system up to speed. Sorry folks but summer water restrictions every single summer is too much 3rd world for the kind of taxes Ridgewood taxpayers are paying .

This not a critique of Ridgewood water but an attempt to get the ball rolling on a discussion which has for too long been swept under the rug . Do residents really want to live with perpetual water restrictions, law suits and assorted water quality issues.

water quality :
-For lead updates and resources click HERE.

-For information on the Ground Water Under Direct Influence of Surface Water (GWUDI) monitoring program click HERE.

-For information on PFOA and PFOS click HERE.
Stage I will be in effect each year starting on June 1st and will continue through August 31st.  If conditions warrant, irrigation will be prohibited on additional days of the week up to and including a total ban on irrigation.

Compliance with the initial restrictions will reduce the likelihood that more severe controls will be needed.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

Stage I  (Moderate) – Mandatory restriction of irrigation to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays for properties with even-numbered addresses.  Irrigation using a hand-held hose shall be allowed at any time. No irrigation shall be allowed on Mondays except for the use of a hand held hose.

Stage II  (Severe) – Mandatory restriction of irrigation to Tuesdays and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays and Sundays for properties with even-numbered addresses.  No irrigation shall be allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays except for the use of a hand held hose. Irrigation using a hand held hose shall be allowed at any time.

Stage III  (Pending/Critical) – Mandatory restriction of irrigation to the use of a hand held hose on Tuesdays and Saturdays for properties with odd-numbered addresses and Wednesdays and Sundays for properties with even-numbered addresses.  No irrigation of any kind shall be allowed on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays.

Stage IV  (Critical) – Irrigation is prohibited at any time. Exceptions for irrigation using a hand held hose may be allowed under conditions prescribed by the Village Manager of the Village of Ridgewood.

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Reader says rain sensors should be mandated for all sprinkler systems in Ridgewood

Ridgewood water theridgewoodblog.net

I have been saying for years (yes, to the water department and council) that rain sensors should be mandated for all sprinkler systems, not only new systems. They don’t cost that much to install, although they have to be installed correctly. They aren’t perfect–it could pour five minutes after a watering, for example–but they are a terrific development and ought to be relied upon. Existing systems should never have been grandfathered. This could change with a simple new ordinance.

The next step would be maintenance and oversight. Every year I have to ask the sprinkler crew to test my rain sensor. It is not part of their regular spring turn-on-the-system routine, nor was it for my previous service, which installed it in the first place, but it should be.

Police driving around at 5 AM can easily identify which sprinklers are on when they shouldn’t be, because it’s the wrong day or it is raining or has just rained. Tickets could follow. I don’t want to be told to turn in my neighbors, although an anonymous tip line would surely uncover a large number of violations.

Education is needed. In my experience most people have no clue how to work their systems and no interest in learning. A few fines might inspire them to read the manual or make a call.

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Ridgewood Water to Host Municipal Information Forum for Ridgewood Residents

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Dear Resident,

I am writing to inform you of a Municipal Information Forum that we will be hosting for Ridgewood residents regarding Ridgewood Water.

The intent of this forum is to educate the public on how water is delivered to your faucet.  We will deal with current issues in the news as well as discussing the quality of our water, sustaining water for the future, budget and capital investments and our short-term and long-term strategies.

Our decision to hold this forum emanated from several sources.  One clearly is the amount of interest that residents have expressed in learning more about Ridgewood Water; this has definitely been heightened by stories in the news.  Secondly, we have held two sessions such as these at both our 2016 budget reviews as well as at a Glen Rock Council meeting.  These were two-way dialogues that were well received and I believe went a long way in a better mutual understanding of how the water we consume is delivered to our homes.

We are planning on conducting this forum on two separate dates.  The first is Thursday April 21st from 9-11 AM.  The other is Monday April 25th from 7:30-9:30PM.

Please let us know if you intend on joining us by responding to this e-notice.

Look forward to seeing you.

Best,

Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203

 

Public Notice- Click HERE
State Certified Water Testing Laboratories- Click HERE

NJDEP Lead FAQ- Click HERE
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Residents Flip Over Outrageous Ridgewood Water Bills

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October 07,2015
Jane Shinozuka

Ridgewood NJ, I know people have been concerned about their “re-calculated” Ridgewood Water bills, but the mismanagement is worse than I thought. I’ve paid my bills, and while they do talk about them being “estimated” – this is just ridiculous! If it is not illegal it is surely unethical! Has anyone pursued this issue?

They assured us they are owed the full amount billed – it not being THEIR fault that they didn’t have the manpower to do anything but estimates for 6 or 7 years! Customers not changing their phone systems for better monitoring to suit Water’s purposes is not an excuse. Where is the genuine attempt at a public awareness campaign? This is outrageous. I’d also like to know if this new calculation is based on current rates. Have those rates been the same for the last 7 or 8 years? At which rate is the catch up bill measured? With each re-calculated bill should come a full reconciliation of each account from when it was first considered underpaid. They insisted they are indeed entitled to the whole amount and offered us a 24 installment payment plan. I’ve since heard from someone else that had a similar problem that he too called to raise the issue and was offered a 15% discount over 5 years… I’d love to know who rates a sweet deal and who doesn’t!

If anyone has an opinion or has dealt with this, please enlighten me. I am always very supportive of all things Ridgewood, even when I’ve had to give the benefit of the doubt – but this is Not Right! Even if every re-calculation turned out to be correct – this is no way to run a business!! Who is “minding the store” ?!

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Ridgewood Water Lifts all Water Restrictions

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Effective Thursday, October 8, 2015, all water restrictions will be lifted.  Even though rainfall in our area remains below normal, lower temperatures and the onset of autumn are expected to limit the peaks in demand for water that severely stressed the distribution system this summer.  The combination of Stage 4 restrictions and stricter enforcement resulted in a successful outcome – we thank our residents who did comply with Stage 4 restrictions and encourage all to make water conservation a permanent part of their lifestyles.  Ridgewood Water will be investigating ways to encourage efficient water use and will be seeking the input of residents from all of the communities we serve.

In the last couple of days we did have a chlorine incident that I would like to explain to you.  Just a couple of facts regarding the chlorine agent that we use:

Liquid sodium hypochlorite is standard in the industry for almost 100 years
Its use is mandatory in order to control viruses and bacteria
It is measured in parts per million
Our wells are set to shut down at 3.5 parts per million
Chlorine begins to impact taste and smell at 2 parts per million
DEP guidelines set 4 parts per million as the maximum residual
EPA guidelines require notification to consumers within 30 days

Ridgewood’s water was running at a high of 5 parts per million at some point during Monday-Tuesday of this week. It was a direct result of two issues at the Twinney Water Treatment Facility and impacted those homes served by that facility. The first issue was that a pump failed and the second was that the automatic notification and shut down the well was also not operational.  Since it is impractical to identify the exact limits of the affected area, the entire Village community was notified as a precaution.

Ridgewood Water followed all necessary DEP and EPA protocol including notifications and the DEP indicated that it was our decision to flush the system and that this was not a violation.  The system was flushed and Twinney was again operational by 5:00 yesterday.

There is nothing that suggests that there was a hazardous public health issue…….however, what I believe could have been done better is a customer service issue and that is more effective communication with our residents.  Although technically and legally communications were handled well within guidelines, we should be better than that.  And I apologize for that.  We did conduct a post mortem this morning with all staff involved and have identified steps in the communication process that can be strengthened including making sure that the correct Ridgewood employee is conducting the communications and that we are quicker to notify the public.

If you did not receive a reverse call about this incident please click here to sign up for future calls.

One more important notification
System Flushing:

Ridgewood Water will be performing system maintenance beginning on October 19, 2015.  This work will include the operation of fire hydrants at high velocity which may stir up minerals that have previously precipitated out of the water.  This may temporarily discolor the water.  The operation of the hydrants will be conducted late at night to minimize effects on consumers.  There are no health concerns associated with the minerals that get stirred up, but residents are urged to avoid laundering clothing during the work.  Ridgewood Water will notify residents in specific areas of impending work using the Swiftreach calling system.  You may register to receive these calls by clicking on the SwiftH2O link on our website homepage at water.ridgewoodnj.net.  Maps showing the active work zones will be posted on the website and will be provided to local officials.  You may call our Operating Center with questions at 201-670-5524.  We thank you for your patience during this temporary inconvenience as we work to improve your customer experience.

Best,

Roberta Sonenfeld
Village Manager
201-670-5500, ext. 203

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Reader says Its Time to Fix Ridgewood Water

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“The Ridgewood Water System is unlike many other systems as it relies on a system of over 45 wells, associated treatment systems, piping, storage and more. These appurtenances have their limits and become extremely stressed when there is noncompliance with watering restrictions during a drought condition”

The candor is indeed refreshing, but it does point out that we are relying on an ancient, decrepit water pumping infrastructure that’s not adequate to our needs. This situation has been ongoing for at least 35 years. Without drastic (Level IV) water restrictions, we run the risk of being unable to fight fires. This is not a particularly extreme drought, but we’re already at the limit of our ability to enforce conservation. And what’s the solution to the problem? Deploy the uniformed services — the ones with the guns — and impose drastic fines

This is not merely oversight; it borders on negligence. It’s exactly the performance we’ve come to expect from public utilities. It’s time to fix this.

Council minutes Work Session ..JANUARY 28, 2009
Valley View Water tank originally was to be 100 foot diameter 1.7 million gallon.
Residents of the Heights got water tank size down to 75 foot 1.13 million gallon

“Mayor Pfund added that he thought that the Ridgewood Water Company actually did a very good job in reaching out to the community. He also congratulated the residents for bringing the size of the tank down from a 1.7 million gallon, 100-foot diameter tank to a 1.13 million gallon, 75-foot diameter tank.”
https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/minutes/WORK1.2809.htm

The council meeting minutes 2/13/2008 – comments from group of 100 Heights residents opposing the 100 ft diameter tank. The chief engineer at that time even stated if it were up to him, he would build the tank even bigger than the originally proposed 100 ft tank.. The resident living adjacent to tank property, has since sold her house 12/2012. google 69 Valley View, adjacent water tank property is 71 – 73 valley view.
https://www.ridgewoodnj.net/minutes/PUBLIC2%201308.htm

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Reader asks What year or decade will the Ridgewood Water system ever be upgraded or improved so the water quality doesn’t effect us adversely?

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Yes same story every year only this is the worst. Other water companies didn’t start any restrictions til September. I’m shocked there aren’t more Posts from others and towns it services
Got my latest water bill a joke to spend the money all season then to be forced to have it die due to this restriction.
Just had spine surgery so virtually impossible for me to be out there with a hand held hose due to this.

What year or decade will this system ever be upgraded or improved so the water quality doesn’t effect us adversely?

Let’s get changes made instead of excuses for 30 years.

Dont fix an essential service – like water supply
Do build an albatros of a parking garage
Do build another turf field.

As long as we have our priorities straight…

 

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Water Restrictions Shut Down RHS Student Car Wash

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On Saturday the high school chorus group was holding a car wash to raise a few dollars for their program. The kids were about an hour into it, 2 hoses with nozzles when the police came by and had them shut down due to a complaint. The officers were apologetic but had to act due to a compliant. I don’t have anyone in the schools, but what an awful example for the village. We ask the kids to work a task to help their program and then send the police to shut it down.

We should all be very concerned that their are people so miserable and angry in town that they complain about a organized event at the school to raise money.

Why is there no pressure on the water company to build a system that can meets the needs? Why is there no consideration of water use in the proposed increased in area housing? Why are we using village police resources to enforce water rules, seems if they had the time to do this perhaps we should review staffing levels when the water “crisis” is over ?

The “Stage 4 In Effect” notice posted on the Village’s website says NOTHING about a ban on washing vehicles. It addresses IRRIGATION ONLY.

When were we told in writing that washing cars is prohibited?

https://www2.ridgewoodnj.net/main_recent.cfm?ArticleID=1779

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“Rubber Stamp ” Approval of High Density Housing in Ridgewood

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Dear CBR friends and supporters,
 
The Ridgewood News editorial today highlights in the importance of the September 16 Village Council meeting for the future of our village, and asks the Mayor and Council, “What’s the Hurry?”   (see link below)
The Ridgewood News approached CBR to make a statement about how the Village Council intends to rush the vote to approve ordinances that would allow high density housing, and asked our opinion on holding the public hearing on a night that conflicts with many Back-to-School nights.  (see our statement to the Ridgewood News below)
 
We have asked the Mayor and Council to reschedule the meeting.  We urge YOU to also email the Mayor and Council and ask them to either reschedule the public hearing, or to schedule additional opportunities for public comment in the future on this very important matter.  The email addresses are below.  Also, please continue to reach out to friends and neighbors and encourage everyone to attend this vital meeting on Wednesday, September 16.
Thank you for your support.
 
Citizens for a Better Ridgewood
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Reader says Water restrictions could be more effective if the town sent Postal Notice Flyers to all water customers

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“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of obeying these restrictions – this is a public safety issue – our firefighters need to have the necessary water and water pressure to be able to fight fires and we also need to maintain reserves for household use.

As you are aware we have ratcheted up enforcement over the last several weeks issuing over 50 summonses and hundreds of warnings. This has had some impact but unfortunately we need to take this further – so, I have taken the additional step of appointing more Village employees who will have the authority to issue summonses in order to achieve a higher rate of compliance. “Roberta Sonenfeld.Village Manager

Water restrictions could be more effective if the town sent Postal Notice Flyers to all water customers, stage 2 and stage 4, or when Severely Urgent – drive around towns in evenings with loud speakers announcement, as they used to in past years. There are residents who are sincerely not even aware about Stage 4 water restrictions, only by word of mouth by good neighbors. Of course, there will always be those arrogant self entitles who will always defy rules.
* Please take note:
** Reverse Emergency Robo Calls – Not all residents get them, used to, how come? What happened?
** E- Notice – Not all residents get them or sign up.
** Website – Many residents do not refer to.
** Local News Newspaper – Many residents do not subscribe or refer to online.
** Link immediate release notice to BOE school website for more exposure.
** Mention the stiff fine of up to $1,250.00 That Stops Usage Abruptly!!
* Thanks to the Ridgewood Blog for posting – the Stage 4 News Release on Friday 9/4/15

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Glen Rock to ramp up enforcement of water restrictions

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SEPTEMBER 2, 2015    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015, 2:41 PM
BY RICHARD DE SANTA
STAFF WRITER |
GLEN ROCK GAZETTE

Mayor John van Keuren has directed Glen Rock police to begin issuing warnings and subsequent summonses to property owners who do not observe the current Stage 2 watering restrictions imposed last month by Ridgewood Water.

The village-owned utility supplies Ridgewood, Midland Park and Wyckoff in addition to Glen Rock. .

In effect since Aug. 6, the restriction prohibits the use of above and below-ground water sprinkler systems at all properties on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. Property owners with odd-numbered addresses are permitted to use the systems on Tuesdays and Saturdays only, while those with even-numbered addresses can irrigate lawns on Wednesdays and Sundays.

There is no restriction against the use of hand-held hoses at any time.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/glen-rock-to-ramp-up-enforcement-of-water-restrictions-1.1402398