Boil Water Advisory Issued [UPDATE: Advisory Lifted]

Jersey City, NJ,  Apr 01, 2010,   5:25PM

United Water’s emergency team completed the first round of water quality samples early this afternoon in response to a broken water main that caused a boil water advisory for all Jersey City residents late yesterday evening. The break, which occurred about 11 p.m. yesterday evening, caused low water pressure throughout the City and the ensuing boil water advisory was put in place.

The boil water advisory means that all Jersey City residents and businesses will have to boil their water for 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.

Company officials located the break this afternoon on a 36-inch diameter water transmission pipeline on Route 7 in South Kearny. The pipeline is part of the aqueduct system that brings water into Jersey City after its journey from the City’s water treatment plant in Boonton, NJ. It appears a three-foot section of the main failed and Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority and United Water officials are on site to discuss repair options.

The company’s water quality specialists are taking a second round of water quality samples this afternoon to ensure the quality of the water. First round results will not be available for at least 24 hours and must be reported and verified by the New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection.

“We understand that this main break has been a major inconvenience for residents of Jersey City,” said Jim Glozzy, vice president and general manager for United Water. “We worked swiftly last evening to restore full system pressure back to residents and now we are concentrating on ensuring the quality of the water in the system.”
 
For current information customers can visit www.unitedwater.com/uwjc or call 800-575-4433. Call volumes are currently very high so we do appreciate your patience and understanding.

United Water Jersey City provides water services to 240,000 people in the City of Jersey City.