Flood Relief for Pascack Valley? Mayors and Stevens Institute Fast-Track “Smart” Reservoir Technology

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WESTWOOD, NJ — A major step toward ending the chronic flooding issues plaguing the Pascack Valley took place this week, as regional leaders gathered to review a high-tech solution that could change how local waterways are managed.

Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo hosted a pivotal meeting with mayors from across the valley and Professor Marouane Temimi’s elite engineering team from the Stevens Institute of Technology. The focus? A progress report on the Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) study—a project that promises to bring “smart” management to our local reservoirs.

What is FIRO? The Tech Behind the Solution

For years, residents have called for lower reservoir levels ahead of major storms. The FIRO system is the scientific answer to those calls.

Once fully implemented, this system will:

• Predict with Precision: Use advanced meteorological data to provide significant advance notice of incoming weather events.

• Automated Drawdowns: Support the strategic reduction of reservoir water levels before the rain starts.

• Minimize Downstream Impact: Create much-needed “storage capacity” in the reservoirs to catch runoff, significantly reducing the risk of residential flooding.

A Unified Regional Front

Flooding doesn’t stop at municipal borders, and neither does this initiative. By bringing together the Pascack Valley mayors, the group is ensuring a synchronized approach to water management.

“This system will provide the advance notice and technical support needed to manage water levels effectively and protect our homes,” the group noted, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making.

A special thanks was extended to Mayor Ray Arroyo for organizing the summit and keeping the pressure on for a regional solution to a regional problem.

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How This Benefits You

If you live in a flood-prone area of Westwood, Hillsdale, River Vale, or surrounding towns, the completion of the Stevens Institute study is the most significant hurdle between current conditions and a more resilient Pascack Valley.

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Tags: #PascackValley #WestwoodNJ #FloodRelief #StevensInstitute #LocalGovernment #BergenCounty #Infrastructure