Mandatory Boil Water Advisory Still In Effect, Update On Route 206 Water Main Repair

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A mandatory boil water advisory remains in effect on Thursday for all customers in Bridgewater, Raritan, and Somerville following a water main break on Route 206 on Wednesday.

"The system has significantly recovered overnight, but customers may still experience low pressure as the water main repair continues," said New Jersey American Water in an update on Thursday afternoon. "Excavation of the pipe is ongoing, and we will assess the extent of the damage to the main and begin repairs today."

The southbound lanes and one northbound lane of Route 206 have reopened, but drivers should continue to avoid the area if possible and if not, travel with caution near the work zone.

Water Boil Advisory

A mandatory water boil advisory remains in effect for customers residing in Bridgewater, Raritan Borough and Somerville due to a loss of pressure from a 36-inch water main break on Route 206 in Somerville on Wednesday, New Jersey American Water announced.

Effective immediately and until further notice, customers within the impacted areas are instructed to bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow cooling before using or use bottled water.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking; preparing foods; mixing baby formula, food, juices or drinks; washing vegetables and fruit; cooking; making ice; brushing teeth; and washing dishes until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

A potential or actual threat to the quality of water being provided to the above area currently exists. As a precaution, we are implementing a limited Boil Water Advisory until testing of the water supply is deemed satisfactory. New Jersey American Water will provide information as to when the advisory is lifted.

New Jersey American Water also recommends the following steps:

• Throw away uncooked food or beverages or ice cubes if made with tap water during the day of the advisory.
• Keep boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking.
• Do not swallow water while showering or bathing.
• Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiling or using bottled water, most home water filters will not provide adequate protection from microorganisms.
• Use only water that has been boiled (and cooled) to treat minor injuries.
• Rinse hand-washed dishes with a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of tap water) or clean your dishes in a dishwasher using the hot wash cycle and dry cycle.
• Upon boiling water for potable use, it is suggested that 2-3 gallons of boiled (and cooled) water be stored in the refrigerator in one gallon-containers for use in cooking, drinking, etc. Water can be stored in this manner for 2-3 days.
• Pets should be provided with drinking water that has been boiled (and cooled) in the manner indicated above.

Customers are asked to continue to boil water or use bottled water until they are notified that the water quality is satisfactory. This advisory will remain in effect until repairs are completed and testing shows the water quality to be safe.

Additionally, a conservation notice is also in effect for residential customers in these communities. Customers should refrain from outdoor irrigation and other nonessential outdoor water use, such as washing cars, until further notice. This is to help maximize pressure levels in the system during the repair.

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