Paterson, NJ Boil Water Advisory Continues for Fourth Day Amidst Heatwave

Water Main Break and Widespread Impact

• 💧 A 30-inch water main, dating back to the 1880s, broke near Hinchliff Stadium, disrupting water service for up to 200,000 residents in Paterson and three surrounding municipalities.
• 📌 The affected areas include North Haledon, Haledon, Prospect Park, and Paterson, all experiencing a trickle to zero water pressure since Friday.
• ⚠️ The age and depth of the pipe, coupled with potentially flawed underground maps, have complicated repair efforts.

Community Response and Support

• 🤝 Kennedy High School has become a distribution point, handing out water and providing essential facilities.
• ⚡ During the day, the school distributed approximately 3,500 cases of water, with hopes for a new supply by tomorrow morning.
• 🚿 Portable showers and restrooms, typically used for the homeless, have been set up at the high school to assist residents in need of bathing and sanitation, especially during the current heatwave.
• 💖 Residents have expressed gratitude for the access to showers, particularly for children, pets, and general hygiene.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook

• 🌡️ The situation is exacerbated by a new heat wave, making the lack of water and inability to shower particularly difficult.
• 🚧 The Passaic Valley Water Commission is working on repairs but has not provided an exact timeline for completion.
• 🚒 Municipal leaders are urging residents to conserve water and not open fire hydrants to ensure water availability in case of emergencies.
• 🔬 Once repairs are completed, a boil water advisory is expected to remain in effect for a couple of days for testing and safety verification.