Boil Water In Fair Lawn, Town Says: Here's Why

FAIR LAWN, NJ — A water main break near the Passaic River has prompted Fair Lawn officials to encourage residents to boil their water before using or drinking it.

"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 sent out before 3 p.m. on Monday.

"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."

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.