After more than a week of dealing with no water or low water pressure, Paterson, New Jersey's mayor says almost everyone's water has been restored. 

A boil water advisory, however, will remain in effect for all impacted towns for at least another week because the water is still unsafe to drink after the massive water main break, officials said Thursday. 

The surrounding towns of Haledon, North Haledon and Prospect Park may have to wait longer for full water pressure, and some business owners say it is costing them money. 

The news came about a week after the water main break left over 200,000 residents with little to no water pressure. 

"We're not back to normal yet. We will get there"

Mayor Andre Sayegh and Jim Mueller, executive director of the Passaic Valley Water Commission, shared their strategy to restore service at a news conference Thursday. 

"My goal is to have most if not all residents of Paterson with water service ... recovered water service by this evening," Mueller said. 

"For the first time in a long time, Paterson residents do have some level of water pressure," Sayegh said. "But I want to caution everyone, and this is what I've been telling you. Even though you have some level of water pressure, and it's low and it's better than what it was before, you have to conserve this water because we don't want to regress. We're making progress. We're not back to normal just yet. We will get there." 

Paterson has also set up a senior citizen hotline for older residents in need of water. Senior citizens in need can call 973-321-1410. 

"I just want to say to our customers, residents, to my staff ... this has been an incredibly stressful week. I understand that. We understand that. I appreciate all of the support we've received. I understand all of the frustration that I've received and we've received, because frankly I'd be as frustrated as you if that was my house," Mueller said. "We are starting to see the system recover." 

About 75% of the Paterson's water service was restored as of Wednesday. 

"North Haledon and Haledon, I would hope within the next day we start recovery … we are already starting to see it now in limited areas," Mueller said. 

Water company officials say crews will begin replacing disrupted pipes over the weekend. 

The ordeal started when a 140-year-old water main pipe burst near Hinchliffe Stadium on August 8. The leak has since been contained and work to the repair the main is ongoing, according to the water commission.   

Crews paused work on the ruptured main for safety reasons on Tuesday, but they expect to recharge at least one of two water lines by today. 

Boil water advisory

The city said residents and businesses in Paterson and Prospect Park must continue boiling their water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or making ice until further notice -- or use bottled water. 

Businesses feeling the impact

The water main break has been forcing businesses in Haledon to find ways to stay open. At Jimmy Geez bar and grill, they had to bring in tons of ice and store it in the basement as well as hook up a portable water tank to keep the business operating. 

"It's not cheap. It's very expensive. But at least we're still open," co-owner Jimmy Garruto said. "It's roughly $2,500 for the initial drop off of the tanker, and then ever day they bring us 450 additional gallons of water, that's $500 per day."

So is it worth it to stay open?

"At this point, it's not about profit. It's about being open for the community and our employees, because if they're not open, they're not making any money," Garruto said. 

Those employees are also having to work harder. 

Businesses may have a hard time recouping losses, but in Haledon the Garrutos said the mayor told them to keep their receipts. 

"He actually said save all your expenses, save all your bills, and we'll submit them and see what happens," Garruto said. 

"We've been in business for 26 years. We've survived so many things thankfully. Together we cam up with a lot of good ideas," Barbie Garruto said. 

Portable toilet and mobile shower locations

Paterson made free water, portable toilets and showers available at comfort stations to help bring some relief to impacted residents. The city listed the following locations:

• John F. Kennedy High School
  61-127 Preakness Ave., Paterson
  8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Amazing Kids Paradise Academy
   779 E. 26th St., Paterson
   Appointments only, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
   973-523-5318
• Haledon Rec Center
   779 E. 26th St., Paterson
   8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
   973-523-5318

Proof of residency in Haledon required.

Water conservation tips

Paterson officials have been calling on residents to conserve water and not open hydrants. The city released these tips to follow:

• Limit outdoor water use (no lawn/garden watering)
• Fix leaks immediately
• Shorten showers & turn off water while brushing teeth
• Run dishwashers/washers only when full
• Report unauthorized hydrant use: 973-340-4300 (option #2)