Massive Water Main Break Reported in Jersey City; Disruptions Citywide

(ABOVE: image via City of Jersey City)

SUEZ North Jersey is reporting a massive water main break that has disrupted water service in Jersey City and Hoboken as well.

Update 4/28/20-3:50 PM: #JerseyCity residents, please be advised that a contractor in Kearny was conducting non-utility work on Rte 7 and hit the 36” water main that feeds #JerseyCity. SUEZ crews are in route to isolate break and make emergency repairs. More information to come. pic.twitter.com/6dvLOBZupW

— SUEZ Water NJ (@SUEZwaterNJ) April 28, 2020

According to the utility, a contractor hit the 36″ water main on Route 7. Repairs are reportedly underway. Water pressure throughout the region has slowed to a trickle, and there are some reports of discoloration.

Please be assured that our crew is working as quickly and safely as possible. We know how important it is to have water service, especially now. We will continue to post updates as we receive more information (2/2)

— SUEZ Water NJ (@SUEZwaterNJ) April 28, 2020

6:32 p.m.—SUEZ has issued a BOIL WATER ADVISORY for those who still have water service.

SUEZ officials have issued a boil water advisory throughout #JerseyCity & #Hoboken as a result of a contractor striking a water main. Residents should boil their water for at least one minute for drinking, cooking, or other consumption. Read more: https://t.co/p0B0xw85sm pic.twitter.com/UFXuvkq3mQ

— SUEZ Water NJ (@SUEZwaterNJ) April 28, 2020

From SUEZ:
A contractor working in an industrial area of Jersey City, NJ near the intersection of Howell Street and Duffield Avenue struck a 36-inch water transmission line that supplies water to the Cities of Jersey City and Hoboken. The contractor was putting in sheet piling and pushed a piling directly into the water main.

SUEZ emergency crews have responded to the main break at the scene and are in the process of shutting off water to the site. This will enable water pressure to be restored through the cities of Jersey City and Hoboken.

Officials from SUEZ have issued a boil water advisory today to residents throughout the Cities of Jersey City and Hoboken as a result of the main break. Residents should boil their water for at least one minute for the following: drinking, cooking, or baking, making ice cubes, taking medication, brushing teeth, washing food, mixing baby formula or food, mixing juices or drinks, feeding pets, and all other consumption. Water does not have to be boiled for the following activities: showering, washing dishes or clothes.

SUEZ has ordered water tankers and is working with Jersey City and Hoboken OEMs for placement.

Water tankers have been dispatched to locations in Hoboken & Jersey City.

Update: 7:20PM Water tankers available for affected residents in #JerseyCity at Christ Hospital near 20 Riverside Dr South and downtown on Riverside South. A third tanker in JC and one in Hoboken will be dispatched shortly and we will update with location.

— SUEZ Water NJ (@SUEZwaterNJ) April 28, 2020

7:oo a.m UPDATE—Water pressure should be returning systemwide. According to SUEZ, Discolored water caused by naturally occurring minerals in the water mains possible when service comes back. Running cold water will help clear the line.

We will continue to monitor and update the situation.

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