As we know, Ridgewood Water uses well water. If the tanks are not able to be filled overnight, due to people using too much water and / or a very dry summer, then water can’t be distributed. When we enter the summer season, Ridgewood Water tries to be proactive by automatically implementing stage 1 water restrictions on June 1. One main reasons that water restriction stages are implemented is to help insure that the fire departments have plenty of water to fight fires. GRFD, RWFD, WFD and MPFD have special equipment to get water out of a low pressure hydrant.
Ridgewood Water traditionally starts the water restriction levels by implementing stage 1 from June 1st and August 31st. Water restrictions can be changed due to the summer weather. If its a dryer summer, restriction stage will be changed accordingly.
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.
Due to the dry and hot summer Ridgewood water has now implemented stage 2 water restrictions.
“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.”
If Ridgewood Water can not get those tanks filled overnight, then we move on to the next 2 stages. This will also mean the canceling of car wash fundraisers etc.
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.
How can you help?
Here are some ideas from Ridgewood Water to help conserve outside water use:
– Water lawn and gardens only when needed.
– When watering, deep soak your lawn.
– If you do not have an irrigation system, use sprinklers that shoot water out horizontally, not vertically, to avoid loss of water through evaporation.
– Water during cool parts of the day, morning is best, to avoid loss of water through evaporation.
– Don’t water on windy days to avoid loss of water through evaporation.
– Water the lawn, not the pavement.
– When watering gardens with a hand held hose, use a spray attachment that shuts the water off when released.
– Fix any leaks in the sprinkler, hose, or fittings. Replace worn hose washers.
– When mowing the lawn, don’t cut the grass too short; longer grass means less evaporation.
– Plant drought-resistant trees and plants.
– Use a layer of mulch around plants and trees to retain moisture.
– Use a broom or leaf blower to clean driveways and sidewalks, not a hose.
– While washing your car don’t leave the water running.
– If you have a pool, use a cover when not in use to reduce evaporation.
We would love to hear more ideas on how to help conserve water. Let us know on our Facebook group .
