DRINK UP: Hoboken Water Flow Returns—Bars, Restaurants & Businesses Open

(photo of Jack’s Cabin, via 902 Brewing)

The water main break that has brought business in Hoboken to a trickle over the past three days is finally turning a corner, as water pressure has stabilized, allowing SUEZ to re-route the water supply from Weehawken. As a result, Hoboken should see water flow at or near normal over the next few hours. In addition, the Boil Water Advisory has been lifted for the time being.

“Hoboken has a lot of great bars and restaurants,” says Mayor Dawn Zimmer, “and we want everyone to know that we are open for business.”

The water main break made it difficult for many places here in town—particularly those in the hospitality/food service industries—as the need for clean, steadily flowing water is paramount for safe operations.

As the system is right now, those venues will be operational, just in time for Thanksgiving Eve.

However, an increase in demand at peak hours (6-9 a.m., 6-8 p.m.) may cause occasional dips in water pressure—particularly in upper floors of taller residential buildings. Meanwhile, further work on the actual main will continue to snarl traffic flow into and out of the southwest portion of town. Residents and visitors are strenuously advised to avoid this route, either entering Hoboken from the north or utilizing mass transit.

More from the City of Hoboken:

SUEZ WATER CONTINUING REPAIR ON WATER VALVE IN JERSEY CITY; BOIL WATER ADVISORY TEMPORARILY LIFTED; HOBOKEN OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Hoboken is now successfully receiving water supplies from the Weehawken transmission line until the water break in Hoboken can be fully repaired.  Thanks to residents’ continued conservation efforts, many residential buildings throughout the City have been able to have water during peak periods, and restaurants and businesses are open, fully operational, and ready for business.  The boil water advisory was lifted today by the New Jersey State DEP. 

While work continues on the Jersey City valve and then on the Hoboken break, Hoboken is operational thanks to a redundant system that provides water from Weehawken.  The following provides a full update on the situation:   

UPDATE ON REPAIRS:

SUEZ Water continues repairs to fix a broken water valve in Jersey City that failed on Sunday night.  The complex line stop repair conducted last night to stop the flow of water into the transmission main was unsuccessful.  However SUEZ is actively working on an alternative to reduce pressure in the system near the aqueduct in Jersey City.  Once the repair is made to the broken water valve in Jersey City the water main break in southwest Hoboken will be repaired as soon as possible.   Full water restoration once the main transmission line in Southwest Hoboken is fixed could still take several additional days.   

BOIL WATER ADVISORY

The boil water advisory has been temporarily lifted in Hoboken after the Department of Environmental Protection and SUEZ Water officially advised that the water in the City is safe for consumption.  Hoboken was required to enact a boil water advisory because the system became depressurized during the water main break to make sure no contaminants had inadvertently entered the system.  However, residents are strongly advised to check for updates throughout the next several days as the boil water advisory may again be enacted.  Once Hoboken receives water from Jersey City after the water main in Hoboken is fixed, there may be a period of time where the DEP will require another precautionary boil water advisory to ensure no contamination entered the drinking water from the repair activity. 

WATER PRESSURE IN HOBOKEN

Since Hoboken normally purchases its water from Jersey City, Hoboken has been temporarily receiving water through SUEZ Water in Weehawken until the full repairs are made.  Water pressure throughout the Hoboken system has increased from yesterday, although some residents may continue to have lower water pressure than usual, especially during peak usage periods.  Some residents on higher floors in larger buildings may still be experiencing lower water pressure or at times no water while repairs are continuing.   Conservation during peak periods or changing one’s schedule to use water during off peak periods can make a significant difference. 

WATER CONSERVATION ADVISORY

In order to lessen demand on the system while Hoboken temporarily receives its water through SUEZ Water in Weehawken, a water conservation advisory will continue for residents in Hoboken and Hudson County.  Residents are urged to conserve water whenever possible, epecially during peak periods or consider changing schedules to use less water during peak hours in the morning and evening.

FLOODING

Flooding in the streets in the immediate vicinity of the water main break in Hoboken are now able to be pumped out thanks to the special approval that was provided by the DEP.  The Hoboken Fire Department has washed the streets and sidewalks to help clear the area of any debris.  North Hudson Sewage Authority has cleared the catch basins, as the sewers can once again handle normal water flow.

WATER TRUCKS

While the boil water advisory is lifted, water trucks with clean drinking water will still be available as a backup until 10 pm tonight at 333 River Street, the intersection of Newark Street and Adams Street, Hoboken High School (900 Clinton Street), Fox Hill Gardens (311 13th Street), 14th Street and Sinatra Drive, and at ShopRite (10th and Madison).

PUBLIC SAFETY

The Hoboken Fire Department remains fully operational and has the necessary resources to address any emergencies that may occur.

TRAFFIC AND STREET CLOSURES

Residents should continue to use public transportation as the City of Hoboken will divert traffic from the area until the water main in Hoboken is completely fixed.  Drivers are urged to enter and exit Hoboken through the north due to several street closures in southwest Hoboken. Observer Highway is closed west of Henderson Street to Jersey Avenue, and Harrison Street is closed from Paterson Avenue to Newark Street. Jackson Street is also closed from Newark Street to Paterson Avenue.  Any resident that will be departing Hoboken for the Thanksgiving holiday on Wednesday should wait until the morning rush hour is over, and depart between 9 am and 3 pm.