Water Main Break Near Prudential HQ Is Newark's Third This Month

NEWARK, NJ — Newark has experienced another water main break, officials reported Wednesday morning. But this time, it didn't affect the city’s drinking supply.

Mayor Ras Baraka released the following information about the break:

“Early this morning, at 1:54 a.m., an eight-inch service line break occurred on Academy Street, between Halsey and Broad Streets. This service line is for fire department use only, therefore does not affect drinking water. Residents and businesses in the area have water. There are some minor traffic disruptions in the area as crews are currently on the scene closing underground valves to shut off the water main and stop the leaking. Drivers should anticipate delays and plan alternate routes.”

“I want to thank the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities and the Newark police and fire divisions for working collaboratively and efficiently to fix the situation and assisting on the scene,” Baraka added.

Newark officials gave an update on the situation at 4:51 p.m.:

"Mayor Ras Baraka and Director of the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities Kareem Adeem announced that the pipe rupture that caused minor flooding and street closures in downtown is under repair by city contractors. The leak was sealed off before noon today. The eight-inch pipe, which is a high-pressure line into the Prudential Headquarters, only carried water for firefighting purposes. The rupture, which was on Academy Street, between Halsey and Broad Streets, caused no disruption to the Newark Water and Sewer Utility’s residential and business customers in the area. It did not affect drinking water in any way. Academy Street will remain closed until the breach is repaired in the coming hours."

The words “water main break” have been causing groans in Newark, lately.

On Aug. 9, a massive water main break took place in Belleville near Branch Brook Park. It involved a section of pipe maintained by Newark, and knocked out service in several parts of the city. It also caused a boil water advisory that lingered for several days.

• See related article: Huge Water Main Break Wreaks Havoc In 3 Essex County Towns
• See related article: Newark Nearly 100% After Massive Water Main Break

On Aug. 11, another pipe burst, again knocking out water pressure in a swath of Newark – this time in the Vailsburg section of the city. Read More: 2nd Water Main Break Hits Newark As It Recovers From Gusher

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