A flood occurs when streamflow overtops the natural or artificial banks in any section of a waterway.  

Flooding occurs in Westwood along the Pascack and Musquapsink Brooks during severe rain events, although flooding may also occur in other areas of the Borough due to various topographical and infrastructure conditions.  Stormwater runoff can elevate stream levels for hours, and even days, after the rain ends.   Weather patterns to the north, including New York State, and the resultant drainage into the various brook tributaries, can result in flooding in our area well after a storm has passed.

With the Woodcliff Lake Reservoir situated to the north of Westwood, many residents consider the reservoir and dam operations to be a contributing factor to local flooding.  The Borough has no control over the operations of the dam or the reservoir.   Seasonal water levels, and the release of water by Veolia (formerly Suez) prior to, during and after a storm event, are all subject to DEP regulations, which prioritize the preservation of the water asset and the structural integrity of the dam.