Boil Water, Conservation Ban Remains In Effect For Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A mandatory boil water advisory and outdoor conservation ban remains in effect on Monday after New Jersey American Water successfully installed a new 36-inch pipe to repair the water main break in Somerville on Sunday.

"Our crews are opening valves and flushing hydrants, and we are seeing water pressure return to the areas that were impacted by the main break,” said Carmen Tierno, Senior Director of Central Operations, New Jersey American Water on Sunday. “Customers may continue to experience some pockets of air in their pipes, periods of lower pressure, and/or discolored water while crews continue to flush hydrants, but this is temporary. We also want to remind customers under the boil water advisory to continue to boil their water until we notify them otherwise."

The mandatory boil water advisory that was issued on June 30 for customers residing in Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Raritan Borough and Somerville will remain in effect until bacteriological samples taken show that water meets standards.

This testing process takes at least an additional 24 hours or more from when the system is fully pressurized. Customers should continue to boil their water or use bottled water until they are notified that the water quality is satisfactory.

The major water main break was reported on Friday around 4 p.m. and impacted around 30,000 customers in Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Raritan Borough, and Somerville who either had no service or were experiencing reduced service.

Mandatory Boiled Water Advisory

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.

Outdoor Conservation Ban

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.

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