Montclair Water Update: State Of Emergency Lingers Into 5th Day

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A local “state of emergency” continued into its fifth day in Montclair on Wednesday after a large water main break caused woes for several towns in North Jersey last week.

According to Mayor Sean Spiller, the situation is looking much better in Montclair after last Wednesday’s water main break, which took place in Nutley on a section of pipe operated by the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission.

Montclair public safety officials declared a local state of emergency on Saturday in connection with the break. There was no boil water advisory issued in the township.

During the state of emergency, Montclair residents must avoid any "non-essential use of water" and use water "only when absolutely necessary," the Office of Emergency Management said.

• Read More: Water Emergency Continues In Montclair After Main Break (Update)
• Read More: Here's What Is Going On With The Water, Montclair Councilman Says

Spiller gave an update on the situation Tuesday night, explaining why the town remains in a state of emergency (watch the video below).

According to the mayor:

“Good evening Montclair residents and businesses. I come to you tonight to share a quick update about our continued progress regarding our water emergency and the status of where things stand. Thanks to the unprecedented efforts it took to connect us to the Passaic Valley water line and our collective conservation, we have been able to stabilize the water flow into and pressure of our system. We are not currently at normal rates, but it is stable, and we remain confident in maintaining our supply. As the Nutley water main break repair progresses, I want to take a moment to explain the phases of work and why right now, we will continue to utilize the Passaic Valley water supply and therefore remain in a state of emergency. The New Jersey District Water Supply Commission is currently flushing and testing their line. Given that right now we have a stable and potable supply of water, we will remain with this source until they complete all their, flushing, testing and compliance sampling. So, while we remain in a state of emergency, the situation continues to improve. We ask for your continued care and conservation while everything is completed. Thank you again, for all your efforts.”

Town officials previously said that non-essential uses of water include:

• "The watering of lawns"
• "The watering of outdoor gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants"
• "Non-commercial washing of automobiles and trucks"
• "The washing of streets, driveways, and sidewalks"
• "The serving of water in restaurants, clubs or eating places unless specifically requested by the individual"
• "Ornamental water use including, but not limited to, fountains, artificial water falls, and reflecting pools"
• "Running partial loads in washing machines and dishwashers"
• "Operating non-essential ice machines"

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