Paterson Water Main Break Extends Boil Advisory: Thousands Still Without Safe Water
Boil Advisory Continues as Paterson Water Main Breaks Again
Water supply issues returned to Paterson, New Jersey, after another water main break over the weekend. The new break comes as several communities are still under a boil-water advisory after two weeks, frustrating residents and businesses.
A 42-inch water main broke Saturday morning at North 1st and Arch streets, according to city authorities. Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) staff promptly turned down valves to cease the flow. However, this measure produced low pressure and service outages in Paterson’s Riverside neighborhood.
Concerns Remain Despite No New Boil Order
No fresh boil-water order has been issued despite the break, authorities added. The August 8 alert remains partially active for thousands of residents. Two major water lines at Hinchliffe Stadium broke earlier, leaving over 200,000 Patersonians and adjacent residents without potable water.
PVWC reported that 77,000 customers’ water quality had improved, although others are still advised to boil tap water. Broadway, south of Broadway, east of Spruce Street, and west of Route 20 remain under the advisory.
Paterson, Prospect Park, and parts of Haledon and North Haledon are under precautionary orders. These localities are affected by the outages because the Manchester Utilities Authority buys water from PVWC.
Residents Anxious About Delays
Daily hardships due to water issues have plagued many households. Families use bottled water for cooking and drinking, while companies struggle with low pressure. PVWC spokesperson Bryan Frierson recognized the frustration and stated that flushing thousands of hydrants to remove potentially polluted water restores full service.
“This is not only a challenge for residents but for us,” Frierson said. He said he lives in one of the vulnerable locations, therefore even water commission staff are affected by the advise.
Water Supply in Paterson: What Next?
No date has been set for repairs to the current break or pressure restoration. Water crews are stabilizing and testing the system for public safety. Officials advise individuals under the advisory to boil tap water before consuming, cooking, or brushing.
Paterson’s water system is already old and breaking down, raising concerns. Each rupture disturbs the lives of tens of thousands and raises issues about readiness, so local leaders and communities are calling for long-term investments to prevent future disasters.
Residents are losing patience waiting for updates. The recurrent disruptions show how dependent communities are on functioning water infrastructure and how harmful weeks-long outages can be.
Sources
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