Massive water main break in Paterson, N.J. prompts boil water advisory citywide

A water main break in Paterson, New Jersey prompted a boil water advisory for all of its 160,000 residents. 

The Passaic Valley Water Commission said it responded to a 30-inch water main break early Friday morning near Hinchliffe Stadium. It’s located in a wooded area between the stadium and the Paterson Great Falls.

Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh visited the scene Friday morning and said crews have been working to identify the source of the break.

“These pipes are hundreds of years old. Unfortunately, this particular pipe — 30-inch — burst, causing flooding in the area and adversely impacting residents in both our Northside and Hillcrest sections,” Sayegh said. “It has been compounded because there are two separate, minor water breaks in two different sections of our city that have impacted Third Ward residents and Fourth Ward residents.”

While the cause of the break is under investigation, officials say the pipes in question date back to the 1880s.

The mayor announced the city would be distributing free water to residents at the main gate above the stadium. Residents lined up and waited in the sun as the distribution site ran out of water. Trucks brought additional water and distribution resumed. 

“At least some help, at least. That’s the least they could do,” Paterson resident Habil Ahmed said. 

“We’re attempting to alleviate any inconvenience and rectify the situation as promptly as possible,” Sayegh said. 

“My whole neighborhood is affected”

The Passaic Valley Water Commission warned customers in Paterson and in nearby Prospect Park might experience low pressure, discolored water or temporary service interruptions.

“It’s been a struggle, because obviously everyone needs to use the bathroom. Everyone needs to use the water. So my whole neighborhood is affected,” Paterson resident Mahfuzur Nahim said. “I saw everyone outside, I saw everyone complaining … so it’s really hard. It’s very difficult.” 

“It’s really hard. Like, there’s a lot of people in my family. And it’s really hard. You cannot even flush toilets. That’s, like, important,” Ahmed said. 

Crews had to cut through thick brush to locate the main. 

“We are working diligently and safely to isolate this break. It’s a 30-inch line, there’s a lot of flow that goes through that, so it’s taking us some time. We have managed to reduce the leak by about half,” said Passaic Valley Water Commission Executive Director Jim Mueller.

Chopper flew over the scene of the break Friday morning, where the water could be seen rushing down a paved roadway south of the stadium. It was being diverted into the woods and then down into the river. 

Mueller said once the leak is located, water pressure could be restored for most residents. He said the excavation and subsequent repairs could last at least another day. 

“It is a difficult location — right next to Hinchliffe, it’s on the side of a hill, it’s about 10-15 feet deep in a wooded area,” he said. 

He also said there does not appear to be any damage to Hinchliffe Stadium. Friday night’s game between the New Jersey Jackals and the Brockton Rox has been postponed.

Mueller said nearby construction and even the recent earthquake activity could have contributed.

“We have seen an increase in breaks this summer. There’s other things that can impact that. Fires, for one. Paving. Sometimes it’s water-intensive and they’ll go to local hydrants. It’s not always the best idea with older infrastructure. So it’s a lot of factors. I can’t say it’s all the earthquake. It certainly doesn’t help,” Mueller said. 

Map shows boil water advisory for Paterson, N.J.

The utility ordered a boil water advisory for the entire city of Paterson and the Borough of Prospect Park, telling residents to boil their water for the following uses: 

• All drinking, cooking and making ice
• Brushing teeth
• Washing dishes

Officials say water should come to a rolling boil for at least one minute and then cool before using. Bottled water can also be used as an alternative.