Paterson Officials Provide Update on Major Water Main Break and Boil Water Advisory

Water Main Break and Response

• 💧 A 30-inch water main broke early Friday morning near Hinchliffe Stadium, impacting water pressure and supply.
• 🤝 Officials from the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, Pake Valley Water Commission, and Office of Emergency Management are collaborating to resolve the issue.
• 📢 A boil water advisory has been issued for the entire city of Paterson out of an abundance of caution, affecting approximately 160,000 residents.

Water Distribution and Support

• 🚚 Free water distribution will commence at 12:30 PM at Hinchliffe Stadium for residents in the north and Hillcrest areas.
• 🏘️ Residents in North Haledon and Prospect Park have experienced low water pressure, and officials are monitoring the situation.
• 📞 Residents with questions or issues are encouraged to call the Office of Emergency Management at 973-321-1410.

Repair and Infrastructure Assessment

• 🚧 The break is located on a hillside in a wooded area, approximately 10 to 15 feet deep, making excavation challenging.
• 🛠️ An emergency contractor, JF Kramer, is on-site and will begin repairs once the line is isolated, with an estimated repair time of at least one day.
• 📈 The city is undertaking a comprehensive assessment and has an approved budget to modernize its aging water main system, with a plan to replace pipes dating back to the 1880s.

Impact and Cancellations

• 📉 Water pressure has been reduced by half, with efforts underway to fully isolate the leak and restore pressure to the city.
• 🚫 The New Jersey D has been notified, and water tankers are being brought in as a precaution for fire services.
• ⚾ Summer camps and the New Jersey Jackals game at Hinchliffe Stadium have been cancelled due to the water main break.