New Milford Mayor Writes Letter to Governor and Commissioner of DEP

Dear Governor Christie and Mr. Martin:

In New Milford, we are weary from the stress that comes with each storm prediction. Although we did not get nearly the amount of rain that was anticipated on June 13, 2013, we are grateful that you took notice of our pleas to your offices to lower the reservoir. With less than one inch of rain passing by the reservoir is still completely full. At this moment the Oradell Reservoir is at 23.19’ and 23.16’ is its’ capacity.

I understand the dynamics of the pre-release and I am quite aware of the water supply vs. flood mitigation argument.

But the Oradell Reservoir lies at the lowest point of the United Water Reservoir system. If any of the upper three reservoirs have to be lowered the water has to be sent to Oradell. When that happens the overflow water is passed to the Hackensack River. New Milford is the first town it comes to and the Hackensack River runs along the entire western border of our town. 

New Milford and the State of NJ must begin to collaborate on solutions to the flooding that impacts our entire area due to our proximity to the Oradell Dam.  Pre-release is certainly the best and most economical way to achieve less flooding. 

We hope that in future events you will continue ordering United Water to safely pre-release water from the Oradell Reservoir. It is a simple solution that does not cost anything. If after the event and the pre-release United Water still has a full reservoir there is no down side.

Sincerely,

Mayor Ann Subrizi

New Milford