New Jersey American Water crews are beginning to install the new pipe on Saturday night. See when you could see some relief:
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SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — The damaged pipe of the 36-inch water main break in Somerville has been removed as of Saturday night and New Jersey American Water crews are working to install a new pipe.
“We anticipate completing the repairs on Sunday, July 2, at which time we expect water pressure to begin to return to normal for customers,” said Carmen Tierno, Senior Director of Central Operations, New Jersey American Water.
Tierno added that while pressures should begin to return the mandatory boil water advisory that was issued on June 30 for customers residing in Bridgewater Hillsborough, Raritan Borough and Somerville will remain in effect until bacteriological samples taken show that water meets standards.
This testing process takes at least an additional 24 hours or more from when the system is fully pressurized. Customers should continue to boil their water or use bottled water until they are notified that the water quality is satisfactory.
There are still a few neighborhoods in Bridgewater and Raritan Borough that are completely without water and New Jersey American Water said it is continuing to work with Somerset County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and town officials to provide bottled water to these customers.
Customers who have no water will receive information about the bottled water distribution being offered to them on Sunday, July 2, through New Jersey American Water’s emergency notification system this evening.
Those who do not have water, or have other issues are asked to report to NJ American Water, using this link to report it.
The major water main break continues to impact around 30,000 customers in Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Raritan Borough, and Somerville who either have no service or are experiencing reduced service since Friday, June 30 around 4 p.m.
See the video of the break below courtesy of David Pakenham (note some profanity in the video):
Mandatory Boiled Water Advisory
A mandatory boiled water advisory also remains in place for all four towns on Saturday.
“A potential or actual threat to the quality of water being provided to the above area currently exists. As a precaution, we are implementing a limited Boil Water Advisory until testing of the water supply is deemed satisfactory. New Jersey American Water will provide information as to when the advisory is lifted,” said NJ American Water.
Residents in those areas are told to bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow cooling before using or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking; preparing foods; mixing baby formula, food, juices or drinks; washing vegetables and fruit; cooking; making ice; brushing teeth; and washing dishes until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
Outdoor Conservation Ban
A mandatory outdoor conservation ban remains in effect on Saturday for residential customers in Hunterdon and Somerset County.
“We are issuing this mandatory outdoor conservation ban to help us preserve our water supplies while we work to fix this very large diameter main,” said Tierno on Friday. “We appreciate our customers cooperation and patience as our crews work diligently to restore regular water service to the area.”
Residential customers in Hunterdon and Somerset County should refrain from outdoor irrigation and other nonessential outdoor water use, such as washing cars and topping off swimming pools. Customers are being notified of this outdoor conservation notice via the company’s emergency notification system.
Showers and Bathrooms
Showers and bathrooms are being offered by local YMCAs to all residents impacted by the water main break on Route 206 in Somerville. Read More: Showers, Bathrooms Offered To Somerset County Residents Impacted By Water Main Break
“All impacted residents (Y members or not) are invited to visit Bridgewater YMCA, Hillsborough YMCA, Somerset Hills YMCA & Princeton YMCA for shower and restroom,” said Bridgewater YMCA.
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