Water main break in Paterson, New Jersey leaves over 185,000 residents under a boil water advisory during repairs
Water Main Break Causes Water Woes in Paterson, New Jersey
A water main break in Paterson, New Jersey, has caused widespread disruption to the city's water supply, affecting approximately 185,000 residents and businesses. The rupture occurred in a 140-year-old, 30-inch water main pipe near Hinchliffe Stadium on Friday, August 8, 2025.
The break has resulted in a boil water advisory, with residents and businesses experiencing low water pressure or no water at all. Some residents have reported water as brown, and the frustration level among residents is reportedly high.
Crews have been working tirelessly to isolate the leak and repair the damage. By Monday evening, they successfully installed a line stop to reduce the leak, allowing pressure to start rising in parts of the system. However, full repairs are delayed due to the need for custom-fabricated replacement pipes. As of August 15, a boil water advisory remains in effect with ongoing testing to ensure safety.
In response to the water shortages, authorities have urged residents to conserve water and shut down water parks in the city. Free bottled water distribution and home deliveries for vulnerable residents have been arranged. Temporary pumping is also being put in place within Paterson to boost pressure in areas with low pressure or no water at all.
Meanwhile, some residents and businesses are facing challenges due to the water shortage. Residents are advised to boil water for one minute before using it for various purposes. Businesses are struggling to meet health department criteria and are incurring additional costs for handwashing stations, bathrooms, ice, and bottled beverages.
A joint news conference is scheduled for Monday at noon by Mayor Andre Sayegh and Jim Mueller, the Executive Director of the Passaic Valley Water Commission, to provide updates on the situation. Some areas are still without water entirely, and business owners are growing increasingly concerned about the impact on their operations. One business owner, Albert Manzo, has stated that if the water main break is not resolved by Tuesday, he will have to cancel an upcoming event.
The water main break serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by aging water infrastructure in Paterson. The repair time and careful testing required to restore safe water service have caused significant disruption to the city. The Passaic Valley Water Commission and city officials continue to work diligently to restore normal water service to the affected areas.
References:
- NJ.com
- ABC News
- CBS News
- The Record
- The Star-Ledger
- The ongoing water shortage in Paterson, New Jersey, from the water main break, has raised concerns in environmental-science circles regarding the long-term effects on local ecosystems.
- In the midst of the water crisis, the local political landscape is heating up, with some residents calling for increased investments in water infrastructure in future budget discussions.
- Meanwhile, the latest business news reports indicate that the water shortage is affecting more than just the city's residents, with the medical sector expressing concerns about maintaining required health standards due to the limited water supply.
