Frustration grows in Paterson, N.J. on Day 5 of boil water advisory after water main break
Officials said Tuesday that a leak preventing water pressure from returning following last week's massive water main break in Paterson, N.J. is being repaired.
Nearly 200,000 people remain under a boil water advisory for a fifth straight day. Officials said it could be the end of the week, or even next week, before that advisory is lifted.
"We still have work to do"
"What a difference a day makes," Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh said. "Twenty four hours ago, crews were working feverishly to isolate the leak. And now, a day later, I can report that they've isolated the leak, and repairs are underway. And as a result we can start seeing water pressure improve.
"Quite frankly, we still have work to do," Sayegh added. "Progress has been made, and I can announce that we are moving in the right direction."
"We did isolate the leak, significantly isolated it. There is still some water coming out. But the system is starting to recover. So we're getting reports and we're seeing on our own gauges that pressure is starting to come up in parts of the system," said Jim Mueller of the Passaic Valley Water Commission.
A break in a 30-inch pipe near Hinchliffe Stadium on Friday morning triggered the advisory.
Work has been underway since then to repair the broken 140-year-old water main, which left close to 200,000 people in Paterson, Prospect Park, Haledon and North Haledon with low water pressure, or none at all.
On Monday, officials asked families for patience, saying three major pipelines run through the area, and crews needed time to figure out which one was the problem.
"One of the complicated aspects of it, with the 140-year-old infrastructure, we don't even have good, reliable drawings of what's in the ground. It's 20, 30 feet deep. It's not easy to access," Mueller said.
Even though the leak has been isolated, a boil water advisory remains for customers.
"Every day, it's two more days"
Frustration is growing in Paterson and surrounding neighborhoods. Families are skeptical, saying that each day the city has claimed it has been one step closer to resolving the problem, there has been little improvement.
"I haven't had pressure since Friday. Checked when I came home, still no pressure. What happened to 12 to 24 hours? That was three days ago and still nothing," Paterson resident Lisa Wright said.
"I am not saying they're not trying to do their best, but their best is not good enough still, because we are still suffering," Rita Pennant said.
"Every day, it's two more days," Warren Ellis said.
Some resident said they can't get enough water to get by.
"I went down to the Dollar Tree store, not buying any water. I bought some sodas and had to pour it down the commode to help flush my commode. The experience was horrendous. It was terrible," Paterson resident James Ramsey said.
"Oh, the last five days, no shower. We take a shower with a bucket. Wash up in the tub. It's hard," Evelyn Hilton said.
Guidance on water usage
Officials are calling on residents to conserve water and not to open hydrants.
Under the advisory, impacted residents should:
- Boil water for at least a minute before using it
- That includes for drinking, cooking, preparing baby formula, washing produce, making ice, brushing teeth and washing dishes
- Residents are also asked to limit outdoor water use
- Residents are asked to shorten showers
- Only use dishwashers and washing machines when they're fully loaded
Bottled water pick-up and the comfort station at John F. Kennedy High School will continue to stay open Tuesday.
