The initial rupture on Observer Highway and Madison Street on Monday created a massive hole, making it difficult for Veolia Water North Jersey to isolate the broken main. The utility company’s crews have worked all night to install a line stop, which will stop the flow of water to the break and facilitate repairs. The overnight storm did not help crews facilitate their job.
The city remains under a State of Emergency this morning. The rupture yesterday was caused by a PSE&G contractor doing construction work that accidentally struck the water main.
As crews work around the clock to isolate the ruptured main, this morning water pressure remains low citywide. Increased demand this morning will further impact pressure as it continues to stabilize.
After opening the Weehawken interconnection last night and closing the Jersey City interconnection, pressure continues to build throughout town, but residents may still encounter low pressure as the system resets.
The city issued the following advisory this morning:
“While a larger number of residences have access to water, those living in buildings on higher floors may continue to have low to no water pressure. Veolia remains on site and is attempting to isolate the broken main while not cutting water to the entire City. They are getting closer to identifying the exact location of the break, but because of the complexity of the water main infrastructure at that location and the interconnectivity with Jersey City, they have been unable to isolate the broken main.
No boil water advisory has been issued and Veolia has stated the water is safe to drink. In the event there is any discoloration of water, residents are advised to let the water run to flush out localized systems.
Businesses without running water including restaurants, salons, gyms, medical offices, etc must remain closed per the Health Department. Any business with running water can continue to operate.”
Hoboken and Veolia have set up 7 locations around the city where resident can obtain drinkable water. They are:
- Hoboken University Medical Center, on Clinton Street between Third and Fourth Streets.
- 220 Adams St.
- 221 Jackson St.
- Fox Hills, 311 13th St.
- Fourth and Harrison Streets
- Columbian Towers, 76 Bloomfield St.
- Church Towers, 5th and Clinton Streets
The Hoboken Fire Department will have a water tanker of non-drinkable water for dishwashing, bathing, toilet flushing, etc, available at the Hoboken Fire House at 13th Street and Washington Street. The Fire Department may use the tanker at various points throughout the day for fire suppression, as needed, so it may not be readily available at all hours. Residents must bring their own containers to fill. This water is not drinkable.
All municipal offices will remain closed today, Feb. 28, due to water main impacts.
