July 13, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 7 Ho-Ho-Kus High level of water use prompts Reverse 911 message by Jennifer Crusco Concern over the continued high-level of water use in the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus has prompted municipal officials to issue a Reverse 911 message that included a strong warning for anyone who does not follow the prescribed, three zone watering schedule. The message, which was sent out last week, states, “This is an important message for all residents from the (Ho-Ho-Kus) Mayor and Council. The use of water outside the house is never allowed on Monday. If you are found to be watering on a Monday, your water will be shut off and a $100 charge will be assessed to restore your water service. A higher charge will be assessed after regular work hours.” The message also notes that the three-zone watering schedule, which has been publicized and provided in a Reverse 911 call a few weeks ago, must be followed without exception. Anyone who is found to be watering on a day not allowed in his or her area will be subject to a water shut-off, a fine of $100, and a water bill surcharge. “You are responsible, as the homeowner, to follow the watering schedule. Offenses are being reported by the police and are being enforced by the DPW,” last week’s message states. The following, three-zone watering schedule is currently in effect in Ho-Ho-Kus: Area 1, west of West Saddle River Road and south of Hollywood, may water on Thursday and Sunday. Area 2, west of West Saddle River Road and north of Hollywood, may water on Wednesday and Saturday. Area 3, east of West Saddle River Road, may water on Tuesday and Friday. A borough official stated that the Reverse 911 was drafted and issued to residents because some residents are still overusing water. The official added that a New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection recently advised that the borough will soon receive a letter regarding a fine for 2010 water use. The fine, the official said, is approximately $23,000 for overuse of water during all of 2010. This year, the borough is already a few million gallons over its limit, with most of July and all of August – two months characterized by high water demand -- still to come, the official reported. Summer brings a relatively high rate of water use as people water their lawns and gardens and use water in their swimming pools. The snowy winter and wet spring led Ho-Ho-Kus (continued on page 10)