Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • June 13, 2012 Ho-Ho-Kus Borough receives violation notice; faces fine by Jennifer Crusco The Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus recently received a notice of violation from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection concerning the borough’s over-use of water, and is now awaiting news regarding the related fine. Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Administrator Don Cirulli explained that, according to the NJDEP, the borough used 40 million gallons over and above its annual water allocation during 2011. Asked about the anticipated fine, Cirulli noted that, in 2011, Ho-Ho-Kus was fined $22,500 (which was later negotiated downward) for a 2010 overage that was less than the 40 million now under review. He said he believes the fact that this is a second violation will cause the state to be more stringent in its dealings with the borough. Earlier this year, Ho-Ho-Kus officials formally requested that the NJDEP consider an increase in the borough’s water allocation, which currently allows the borough’s water utility to pump one million gallons per day. The borough paid the $10,860 fee that allows the NJDEP to consider the borough’s request, and is still awaiting word on an amended allocation. This spring, borough residents received a detailed water newsletter that urges citizens to do their part to conserve water. “If water prices were $4 a gallon, the typical American household would spend roughly $1,452 each day,” the newsletter states. “Water waste doesn’t strain wallets quite like gasoline. People filling up their gas tanks these days wouldn’t dream of wasting five gallons. But a running faucet wastes five gallons of water every two minutes and people let their faucets run while they shave, brush their teeth, and wash their dishes.” The brochure adds that taking small, inexpensive steps toward water conservation can help save 100 to 150 gallons of water per home each day. The listing of conservation suggestions includes the use of a soaker hose that “weeps,” rather than pours, water. The hose costs approximately $20 and can be woven in and out of the garden and around trees, according to the borough’s brochure. Another suggestion includes the use of mulch to help retain water in garden beds and around trees and shrubs. The drip irrigation option involves the slow application of water directly to a plant’s roots. This technique allows water to be directed to growth areas, rather than wasted on pavement. The use of rain barrels is also recommended. Rain water is directed into these barrels and then drawn from a built-in spigot to water lawns and gardens. Those who use rain barrels are permitted to water their lawns and gardens with the water they have collected at any time, regardless of the watering schedule. From April 1 through Oct. 31, residents are required to adhere to a three-zone schedule for outdoor watering. An updated schedule, or restrictions, may become necessary in the event of a drought. No watering is allowed on Mondays. This is the day the wells and water tanks recharge and refill. Hand-held hoses may be used for flower and vegetable gardens any day except for Monday. (This restriction does not apply to those using water collected in rain barrels.) Portable sprinklers and soaker hoses may be used to water between midnight and 10 a.m. or between 6 p.m. and midnight on designated watering days. Automatic and in-ground sprinkler systems may be used between 3 and 7 a.m. on designated watering days. The listing of watering areas and designated watering days follows: In Area I, which is west of West Saddle River Road and south of Hollywood Avenue, lawn and garden watering are allowed on Thursday and Saturday. In Area II, which is west of Saddle River Road and north of Hollywood Avenue, lawn and garden watering are allowed on Wednesday and Saturday. Those in Area III, which is located east of West Saddle River Road, may water their lawns and gardens on Tuesdays and Fridays. Borough officials acknowledge that there could be several reasons the municipality has been exceeding its water allocation, however non-compliance with the lawn watering schedule is often cited as a contributing factor. Ho-Ho-Kus Mayor Thomas Randall previously explained that the borough has been working to meet current water use restrictions while also seeking long-term relief in the form of an increased allocation. He acknowledged that water use has increased although there has been no population boom in the borough. In an effort to gain residents’ compliance with water use, borough officials approved tougher penalties for those who violate the borough’s watering regulations. In October 2011, the council approved Ordinance 998, which concerns the enforcement of water use restrictions. Ordinance 998 includes details requested by residents regarding how individuals will be notified of violations, and eliminated a potential water shutoff as a penalty following a first offense. Water shutoffs will now be imposed for a third offense. The ordinance also includes jail time as a penalty, but not until a fourth or subsequent offense.