Route 206 Reopens Partially As Water Main Repair Continues In Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Route 206 North is now opened, partially, as crews continue to repair a 36-inch water main break on the highway in Somerville.

Route 206 North will be limited to one lane until repairs are completed, announced Hillsborough Police around 7:55 a.m. on Saturday, July 1.

A major water main break continues to impact around 30,000 customers in Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Raritan Borough, and Somerville who either have no service or are experiencing reduced service since Friday, June 30 around 4 p.m.

See the video of the break below courtesy of David Pakenham (note some profanity in the video):

Outdoor Conservation Ban

New Jersey American Water issued a mandatory outdoor conservation ban on Friday at 10 p.m. for residential customers in Hunterdon and Somerset County over the next 48 hours while the company repairs a 36-inch water main break on Rt. 206 in Somerville.

"We are issuing this mandatory outdoor conservation ban to help us preserve our water supplies while we work to fix this very large diameter main," said Carmen Tierno, Senior Director of Central Operations for New Jersey American Water. "We appreciate our customers cooperation and patience as our crews work diligently to restore regular water service to the area."

Residential customers in Hunterdon and Somerset County should refrain from outdoor irrigation and other nonessential outdoor water use, such as washing cars and topping off swimming pools. Customers are being notified of this outdoor conservation notice via the company’s emergency notification system.

Mandatory Boiled Water Advisory

A mandatory boiled water advisory remains in place for all four towns on Saturday.

"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," said NJ American Water.

Residents in those areas are told 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.

Drinking Water

At some point on Saturday, NJ American Water is having drinking water delivered to the area, said Raritan Police Sgt. Everett Holt.

"We will keep you updated as to the time and where the distribution points are located. There is still no estimated time of repair," said Holt.

Showers and Bathrooms

Showers and bathrooms are being offered by local YMCAs to all residents impacted by the water main break on Route 206 in Somerville. Read More: Showers, Bathrooms Offered To Somerset County Residents Impacted By Water Main Break

"All impacted residents (Y members or not) are invited to visit Bridgewater YMCA, Hillsborough YMCA, Somerset Hills YMCA & Princeton YMCA for shower and restroom," said Bridgewater YMCA.

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