20,000 Edison residents suffer without water pressure after main break
- A massive water main break occurred in Edison, leaving around 20,000 residents without adequate water pressure.
- Repair crews have been actively working overnight to fix the break and provide bottled water to affected residents.
- The incident emphasizes the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and extreme weather conditions in the region.
In Edison, New Jersey, a significant water main break occurred late at night on December 25, 2024, disrupting the water supply for many residents. The incident was reported shortly after midnight, when a 20-inch water main broke near Woodbridge Avenue, close to Ben Franklin Elementary School. As a result, approximately 20,000 residents experienced little or no water pressure, prompting local authorities to take immediate action. Repair crews quickly mobilized to address the situation, starting their work around 1 a.m. and continuing throughout the night. Local officials implemented a boil water advisory for those affected by the break, which compounded the challenges many residents faced. Many were without safe drinking water, impacting their ability to cook, bathe, and carry out daily routines. The authorities began distributing bottled water to residents at multiple locations, including firehouse stations and a senior center, providing essential supplies while repairs were underway. Business owners in the area expressed frustration at having to rely on bottled water, making it difficult to operate their establishments. Mayor Sam Joshi commented on the situation, identifying aging infrastructure and severe cold weather as contributing factors to the break. The mayor noted that some of the water pipes in Edison were over 80 years old, highlighting the need for upgrades and maintenance of the infrastructure. As work continued, the mayor emphasized that crews were diligently working to isolate the break and restore water services, which they projected would be resolved by Thursday night. In addition to Edison, other nearby communities, such as Leonia, experienced reduced water flow as officials tried to manage the effect of the main break. Residents in these areas faced challenges including low water pressure and discolored water. As local authorities and repair crews worked collaboratively to restore normal water service, the incident served as a reminder of the fragility of infrastructure and the impact of extreme weather conditions on communities.