N.J. city issues boil water advisory after 2 water mains break

A boil water advisory has been issued in Hoboken after two water mains broke in the city, requiring emergency repairs.

A 12-inch water main, located at the intersection of Newark and Garden Streets, broke Tuesday just hours before an 8-inch water main broke between Garden and Bloomfield Streets on Ninth Street.

While crews have completed repairs for the 8-inch main, repairs for the 12-inch main remain ongoing, officials said Wednesday.

Veolia, the city’s water utility company, did not immediately return a request from NJ Advance Media for comment.

Drivers are being asked to avoid the area of the 12-inch main break. Newark Street was closed Wednesday between Washington Street and Park Avenue. Garden Street was closed from First Street to Observer Highway.

The city-wide boil water advisory asks residents and businesses to bring their water to a boil for one minute before activities like washing dishes, drinking, cooking and brushing teeth. Water does not have to be boiled before showering or washing clothes.

According to officials, residents may experience low water pressure or no water as repairs are underway. Some may find discoloration or possible sediment in their water. Drinking water from a low-pressure system without boiling it first can cause illness due to the potential presence of harmful microbes.

The advisory will remain in effect until further notice, officials said. Veolia will notify customers when the advisory is lifted.

The city is providing free bottled water to residents until noon on Wednesday at the following locations:

• Monroe Gardens, 221 Jackson Street
• Multi-Service Center, 124 Grand Street
• Fox Hill Gardens, 311 13th Street

While the city is working on an initiative to replace aging water mains, some parts of Hoboken’s water system still date back more than 100 years, officials said.

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Rebecca Heath may be reached at RHeath@njadvancemedia.com.