Hoboken recovers as water main breaks prompt boil water advisory

In Hoboken, New Jersey, a city-wide boil water advisory was issued following two significant water main breaks that occurred within a short timeframe. The first break, affecting a 12-inch water main, happened at approximately 10:30 a.m. on a Tuesday at the intersection of Newark and Garden streets. This incident prompted emergency repairs, which led to the isolation of the damaged main and a noticeable reduction in water levels. Shortly thereafter, an 8-inch water main broke just nine blocks north at Garden and Ninth streets. Residents were advised to avoid both intersections as repair work was initiated. During the advisory, citizens were instructed to boil water for at least one minute before using it for various activities such as drinking, cooking, and hygiene. The advisory applied to the entirety of Hoboken, affecting both residents and local businesses. Those located near the sites of the breaks experienced reduced water pressure, compounding the logistical challenges faced by the community during this disruption. To assist with the situation, water distribution points were established at Monroe Gardens on Jackson Street, Fox Hill Gardens on 13th Street, and the Multi-Service Center on First Street, operating until 10 p.m. that day or until supplies lasted. The advisory remained in place until emergency repairs and subsequent water quality testing were conducted. As a result of these actions, Veolia Water announced the lifting of the advisory two days later, on Thursday, confirming that all tested water met regulatory standards. They provided guidance to residents to run their faucets for a minimum of three to five minutes to flush out any stagnant water that may have remained in their plumbing systems. They also recommended cleaning automatic ice makers, draining hot water heaters, and refilling water reservoirs as necessary to ensure clean water for all uses. The water main breaks in Hoboken were attributed primarily to the aging infrastructure common in the area. This incident was not an isolated event, as similar issues had been reported in the nearby Paterson area the previous month, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining old water systems. The situation reflects broader concerns regarding water management and infrastructure sustainability across various municipalities, not just in New Jersey. Veolia Water has urged continuous investment and maintenance efforts to prevent future occurrences that might compromise safe drinking water.