Bloomfield Boil Water Advisory Lifted; Here's What To Do Now (Updated)

This article was updated at 9 p.m. on Aug. 12

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A boil water advisory was lifted in Bloomfield on Friday, several days after a major water main break knocked out service in several North Jersey towns.

The main break took place on Tuesday morning near Branch Brook Park at the border of Belleville and Newark, and also affected Bloomfield. According to Newark officials, it happened at Clinton and Mill Streets in Belleville. Read More: Water Main Break Wreaks Havoc In 3 Essex County Towns

Bloomfield officials initially said that "until further notice," all water used for consumption, brushing teeth and washing dishes should be boiled for at least a minute before use. The use of bottled water is "encouraged," officials added.

On Tuesday, Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia said the town was getting reports that water pressure has gone back to normal.

"Out of caution we are going to remain on a boil water advisory for the next 24 hours," Venezia said. "We will reassess in the morning."

Officials said Bloomfield residents can find more information on the township website, or by calling the water department at 973-680-4009.

"I want to assure residents that we are testing and retesting the water supply system as often as possible and we haven't detected the presence of any contaminants such as e-coli or fecal coliform," Venezia said Tuesday. "Until the situation is resolved, the township will continue to sample and re-sample the water to verify that these contaminants have not been introduced into the potable water system."

Bloomfield's boil water advisory was still in effect as of Wednesday morning. A town spokesperson told Patch:

"[Workers] are seeing some fluctuation in water pressure at their three main entry points throughout the township from the contractor turning and working on valves to try and fix the water main break in Belleville. They cannot get a proper sample until they have consistent pressure at the three entry points. For any resident that needs drinking water they will have it available starting at noon at the parking lot behind the Civic Center/Library on State Street."

"Residents are allowed to shower and run the dishwasher during the boil water advisory, just do not swallow the water," he added.

The boil water advisory continued Friday, town officials said in an update:

"The Township of Bloomfield is still under a boil water advisory due to the water main break in Belleville on Tuesday morning. Therefore, distribution of bottled water to residents will continue today in the rear parking lot of the Bloomfield Public Library & Civic Center from 1 to 5 p.m. However, distribution may end early if the boil water advisory is lifted."

It was finally lifted on Friday afternoon, officials said:

"We are pleased to report that the repairs have been completed and subsequent water quality testing shows the water quality to be safe. The boil water advisory is lifted and it is no longer necessary to boil your water before using."

Bloomfield officials added that the following measures are still being "strongly encouraged at this time":

• Run your water faucets for 3-5 minutes to flush your service connection and interior plumbing with water from the service main.
• Empty and clean your automatic ice makers and water chillers.
• Drain and refill your hot water heater if the temperature is set below 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Service connections with a water softener/cartridge filters should be run through a regeneration cycle or other procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
• Water reservoirs in tall buildings should be drained and refilled (as applicable).

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