2nd Water Main Break Hits Newark As It Recovers From Gusher

NEWARK, NJ — When it rains, it pours. And in Newark – which is dealing with its second major water main break in three days – that maxim is frustratingly relevant this week.

On Wednesday evening, Newark officials announced that 99 percent of the city’s water service had been restored after a massive main break in Belleville. The main break took place on Tuesday morning near Branch Brook Park; Newark, Belleville and Bloomfield each issued a boil water advisory in its wake. Read More: Huge Water Main Break Wreaks Havoc In 3 Essex County Towns (Updated)

"The pipe that broke belongs to the City of Newark, therefore it is our responsibility to fix it," a city spokesperson told Patch. The cause of the water main break has not been determined yet, they added.

The city's boil water advisory remains in place until further notice, officials said. Read More: Newark Nearly 100% After Massive Water Main Break

But early Thursday morning, another pipe burst, again knocking out water pressure in a swath of Newark – this time in the Vailsburg section of the city.

According to a statement from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka:

“After restoring water to 100% yesterday evening, we experienced a pressure surge that led to a 30-inch water main break at about 2 a.m. this morning at 15th Avenue and 15th Street in the West Ward. This break is affecting water pressure in the Vailsburg section of the city. Fortunately, the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities has isolated this break, crews are on site, and repairs have begun. I want to remind our residents and businesses that a boil water advisory remains in effect in the areas impacted.”

Baraka said that residents who are having a water emergency or who have questions can contact 973-733-3654 or 973-733-4311.

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