Over 185,000 New Jersey residents under boil water advisory as Paterson water main break repairs continue
Over 185,000 people in New Jersey remain under a boil water advisory as repairs continue on a water main break in Paterson.
Paterson, Prospect Park, Haledon and North Haledon are all impacted, according to the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWS) and Manchester Utilities Authority.
Officials say a 30-inch pipe broke near Hinchliffe Stadium early Friday morning, leaving residents and businesses with low water pressure or no water at all.
Crews worked around-the-clock all weekend and officials hope to complete repairs Monday, adding that they've made progress and successfully installed a line stop to reduce the leak.
PVWS Executive Director Jim Mueller said they've seen an increase in water pressure, and they're urging residents to conserve water that has been restored, adding that some areas are still without water entirely.
The cause of the break has not yet been determined.
Mayor Andre Sayegh and Mueller will hold a joint news conference Monday at noon.
Portable bathrooms, shower trailers available in Paterson
Saturday, Paterson opened a comfort zone at John F. Kennedy High School with portable bathrooms, and on Sunday, the city added shower trailers. Free water is being distributed at multiple locations throughout the impacted areas.
"We're also putting temporary pumping in place within Paterson to try to boost pressure in areas that either ... have low pressure or don't have water at all, so we continue to move on multiple paths to try to address the issue," Mueller said.
Residents should boil water for one minute before using it for drinking, preparing foods, mixing baby formula, washing produce, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth and washing dishes.
Officials say after water pressure is restored, the boil water advisory could remain in place for another day or two while the system is tested for bacteria.
Frustration increases on 3rd day without water
While many are understanding, every day without clean water is turning into a growing challenge.
"The pressure is low and it's brown," impacted resident Jacqueline Sledge said.
"Frustration level is extremely high," impacted resident Mike Ramaglia said.
For businesses like The Brownstone, a catering company and event venue, meeting the Paterson Department of Health and Human Services criteria to stay open meant bringing in handwashing stations and bathrooms, and buying ice and bottled beverages.
Business owner Albert Manzo estimates he spent about $10,000.
"If we're not back online by Tuesday, we're gonna have to cancel this party," he said.