The Saddle River at Lodi a raging torrent. Its waters swelled beyond their banks. Main Street was submerged.
This isn’t just any river. The Saddle River at Lodi is a vital artery. It winds its way through Bergen County New Jersey. It starts far north in Rockland County New York. The river then flows southward for miles. Its journey takes it past many towns. These include Saddle River Waldwick Ho-Ho-Kus and many more. Finally it reaches Lodi. Here it merges with the Passaic River. This is where the Saddle River at Lodi ends its journey.
The Saddle River at Lodi isn’t just a geographical feature. It’s a lifeblood. It supports a surprising diversity of life. Largemouth bass swim in its depths. Brown and yellow bullheads lurk in the shadows. Dace suckers and darters dart among the rocks. Even American eels and carp make their home here. And despite threats from pollution there are still some wild trout. These are a testament to the river’s resilience.
But the river is also vulnerable. Heavy rains cause the Saddle River at Lodi to crest. This brings devastating floods. In January 2024 the Saddle River at Lodi flooded. The waters rose more than two feet above major flood stage. Basements and lower level apartments flooded. Main Street became a river itself. The Lodi Fire Department used high-water vehicles to rescue families.
The flooding wasn’t limited to homes. Businesses suffered too. The Boys and Girls Club and Washington Elementary School were affected. A senior housing complex also had flooding. The sheer force of the water was terrifying. One resident Phil Coniglio watched helplessly. He knew the exact water level that would flood his home. He knew the water was dangerously close.
The Saddle River at Lodi shows us nature’s power. It’s a powerful reminder of our vulnerability. It’s a beautiful river. It supports life yet it is a destructive force. Understanding this duality is crucial for respecting and protecting it.