Watch CBS News

Parts of Somerset County under mandatory boil water advisory

CBS News Live
CBS News New York Live

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. -- New Jersey American Water customers in parts of Somerset County are being instructed to boil their water before using it due to a water main break.

The advisory affects customers in Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Raritan Borough and Somerville.

New Jersey American Water says a water main break on Route 206 in Somerville caused a loss of pressure Friday afternoon, so a mandatory boil water advisory has been issued as a precaution.

Impacted customers who want to use tap water should bring it to a rolling boil for one minute and allow it to cool before using it for any of the following:

  • Drinking,
  • Preparing foods,
  • Mixing baby formula, food, juices or drinks,
  • Washing vegetables and fruit,
  • Cooking,
  • Making ice,
  • Brushing teeth,
  • And washing dishes.

New Jersey American Water says most home filtering devices will not provide adequate protection.

Customers should continue to boil water or use bottled water until testing shows the water quality is safe.

The water company said Saturday that some customers in Bridgewater and Raritan Borough may be without water as repairs continue. Affected customers will be contacted through New Jersey American Water's emergency notification system with information about bottled water distribution.

There is also a mandatory outdoor conservation notice for customers in Hunterdon and Somerset counties to help preserve water while repairs continue. Residents in those counties should avoid nonessential outdoor water use.

New Jersey American Water will post updates at amwater.com/njaw/alerts and on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Customers can call 1-800-272-1325 with any questions.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.