UPDATE: Power at Water Facilities Up, Customers Still Urged to Conserve

Update at 10:22 a.m. Wednesday:

Ridgewood Water received some restoration of power and now is up on generators, Mayor Paul Aronsohn said Wednesday morning. Residents are still urged to continue conserving water as best they can for the health of the system.

Ridgewood Water is facing a power problem and is asking residents to conserve water to avoid large systemtic woes, utility director Frank Moritz announced Tuesday morning.

"There are no generators going at the pumping stations." Moritz told Patch. But if residents don't heed conservation warnings, that could change, and quickly.

Outages were widespread at Ridgewood Water's facilities, affecting the wells of the utility, which serves Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Wyckoff and Midland Park.

Ridgewood Water is currently borrowing water from Mahwah to maintain pumping, Moritz said.

Moritz called it a "moderately serious" situation, telling residents it's critical that they only use water if they absolutely have to.

"We are requesting that all residents conserve their us of water," the utility said in an e-mail to ratepayers. "Use only amounts of water that is extremely necessary as supply is very limited. Public safety is a major concern and your cooperation is very important. We will keep you advised of any further developments."

Said Moritz: "Everything depends on the usage and how much water we get from Mahwah. We're in the process of trying to make some other moves. Everything takes time."

Wyckoff Fire Chief Mike Rose told Patch the department is advising residents to fill tubs to be safe. Water pressure could become an issue, he said.