Boil Water For Second Day, Say Officials In Bergen County Town

FAIR LAWN, NJ — Although a water main break in Fair Lawn was fixed by Tuesday morning, officials said residents should still boil their tap water until the state declares it contamination-free.

The break near the Passaic River prompted officials to issue a boil-water order around 3 p.m. on Monday.

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"A water main break has occurred at 542 Wagaraw Road, which has caused some customers within our service area to be without water or experience a significant loss of pressure," the town said in a message.

"A potential or actual threat to the quality of water being provided to you currently exists. As a precaution, we are implementing a system wide Boil Water Advisory until testing of the water supply is deemed satisfactory."

The town said that until further notice, customers should "bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow the tap water to cool before using, or use bottled water."

In a message Tuesday around 10 a.m., the town's Office of Emergency Management said:

"The water main break has been repaired. Water samples have been collected and were sent to the lab for testing. The results will take approximately 24-36 hours to be received by the Borough. Once received, the Borough must send them to the DEP for review.

"The boil water advisory will remain in effect until the tests show the waterquality to be safe and the DEP lifts the advisory. You will receive another notification when it has been lifted."

Recommended Measures

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.

The town also recommended these measures:

• Throw away uncooked food or beverages or ice cubes 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;
• 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;
• 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 boiled water to treat minor injuries;
• Provide pets with drinking water that has been boiled (and cooled).

Officials said, "We are working as quickly as possible to restore your water quality. Thank you for your patience."

Customers with questions can contact John Williams at 201-794-5374 or watch the town website for updates.