Contractor Damages Water Main In Livingston, Emergency Repairs Underway

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Emergency repairs are taking place in Livingston after a private contractor damaged a water main on Wednesday, the township reported.

The damage took place on Laurel Avenue, and may cause service disruptions and discolored water for nearby residents. Traffic delays are also possible, the township said.

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Here's what happens when a water main break is reported in Livingston, according to the municipal website:

"When a water main break is confirmed, a crew will set up a work zone with appropriate traffic control measures. The crew will also turn off the main (immediately, if needed) and call in an emergency utility markout as required by law. Emergency markouts may take up to two hours to complete as other utilities, such as gas, telecom, and electric, must respond. After the utilities have been marked, the crew will excavate and secure a trench, and begin repairs."

Here are some steps that Livingston residents can take if they're impacted by a water main break:

• Empty and clean your automatic ice makers and water chillers
• Service connections with a water softener/cartridge filters should be run through a regeneration cycle or other procedures recommended by the manufacturer
• If pressure is still low at a certain faucet, take off the aerator and clear off sediment using water or vinegar
• Drain and refill your hot water heater if the temperature is set below 113 degrees Fahrenheit
• Water reservoirs in tall buildings should be drained and refilled (as applicable)

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