Water To Whine: Hoboken Residents Vent Frustrations After Citywide Main Break

You never fully realize how much you depend on water until you have to do without.

As the residents of Hoboken struggle to cope with the water main break that has left thousands without hydro service this week – in addition to a second break that is delaying recovery efforts - stories of frustration and acceptance are emerging from the Mile Square City.

• See related article: Hoboken’s Water Main Break May Affect Residents Until Thanksgiving

Residents reacted with palpable frustration to a Hoboken city Tweet on Monday that stated “due to high water demand in the morning, customers throughout Hoboken may be experiencing lower water pressure.”

• @CityofHoboken @dawnzimmernj we have NO water pressure. This needs to be addressed immediately . We voted for you to make improvements — richie(@drugdoc68) November 23, 2015

• @CityofHoboken come on with this BS tweet. there is no water at all. — Dan Bacarella (@danbacarella) November 23, 2015

• @CityofHoboken still no water at 333 River St... It’s getting ridiculous now — Adam Lippett(@AdamLippett) November 23, 2015
• @CityofHoboken or NO water at all at 333 River Street. What is the timeline on this? — Brian Gale (@Bgaleatnyc) November 23, 2015

Residents also bemoaned a number of news and emergency responder helicopters that have been spotted in the area since Sunday’s break:

• @CityofHoboken We get it, no water. But can you ask news stations to refrain from bringing their helicopersinto the city? Been up since 5am — Michael Lee (@MichaelLee1019) November 23, 2015

The effects of the break were also seen in Jersey City, residents reported.

• @CityofHoboken Very little water and no heat in Jersey City. Thank you for the updates at least, @gov_jc hasn’t updated in 21 hours — Shannon Floyd (@ShanL712) November 23, 2015
• Due to the water main break in #Hoboken, today’s Adoption Day has been cancelled. Please join us next weekend for a special Saturday Adoption Day in conjunction with Small Business Saturday! #ShopSmall - Posted by JerseyCats on Sunday, November 22, 2015

Some residents recalled a water main break that took place August, reportedly caused by a PSE&G contractor performing milling work at 14th and Bloomfield Streets.

• See related article: PSEG Contractor Causes Water Main Break In Hoboken

“Why does it feel like a water main break has happened every two months or so in Hoboken… Infrastructure needs a reboot!” wrote one resident on Monday.

Responding to the resident’s concerns, Hoboken Councilman-elect Mike DeFusco wrote:

“Jeremy, once I get sworn in, I’d like to review the water service contract. It was negotiated in the mid-90’s and I dont believe it provides the maintenance and infrastructure upgrades that we desperately need in Hoboken.”

But despite the general feelings of frustration, many Hoboken residents found a way to look on the bright side of things, as captured in a report on HobokenGirl.com.

“Hoboken water main break = no water = no fresh mozzarella = Hoboken economy crashing and burning,” wrote @louisbra.

“Left laundry until the last day before vacation and now there is no water,” joked @jeniferguson.

“We’re still open for business, Hoboken! You may not have showered but at least you’ll leave us smelling like frosting,” wrote Carlo’s Bakery at noon on Sunday.

“No water in Hoboken. Thanks Obama,” deadpanned @alessandra_mazz.

“No water! All of Hoboken forced to make do with beer, bloody Mary’s and mimosas on game day. Tough it out, people!” stated @ChoosySuzy.

Hoboken City Councilman David Mello commended the city’s emergency responders on a Sunday Facebook post.

“Extra thank you to our Police Chief for getting gym patrons out of Chambord Place building, and our Fire Chief for explaining to my daughter Sienna how water would get to a fire should one break out during this water shut-off,” Mello wrote.

Photo: “Water Buffalo Trucks” from Hudson County prepare to serve Hoboken residents caught without water on Sunday.