Many Central Jersey Towns Remain Under Boil-Water Advisory

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — As of Tuesday morning, residents in nine Central Jersey towns in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties are still being told to boil tap water after a transmission main leak occurred along Possumtown Road in Piscataway.

New Jersey American Water provides the tap water in those towns. On Monday, they issued the advisory, telling millions of customers in Central Jersey to boil their tap water before drinking it.

The advisory remains in effect as of Tuesday morning. Here are all the sites giving out free bottled water on Tuesday, Aug. 3:

• 495 Sidney Road, Piscataway from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• 4000 Hadley Road, South Plainfield from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• New site: 100 New Market Road, Dunellen, near the Dunellen Library from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• The borough of Middlesex is handing out free bottles of water at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Dunellen train station for all Middlesex borough residents. Must show ID. They will be there until 9 p.m. Tuesday.
• Linden customers - Warinanco Park Sports Center, 1 Park Park Drive in Roselle
• Roselle customers - Warinanco Park Sports Center, 1 Park Park Drive in Roselle
• Clark customers - Oak Ridge Park, 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark

Water will be available at these locations from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3; and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4. Additional details can be found here.

According to New Jersey American Water, the following nine towns are affected:

Surrounding towns served by New Jersey American Water in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties may experience discolored water as flows of water in the system are restored. Customers with discolored water should run the cold water taps only, at the lowest level of the house for about 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear.

"New Jersey American Water is working to resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible," said the company. "This boil-water advisory has been issued as a precaution until testing of the water confirms that it meets standards. Water quality sampling after water service is fully restored may take up to 48 hours to confirm that standards are being met. Please continue to boil your water or use bottled water until the company issues a communication to lift the advisory."

Here is the advisory:

The main break caused a loss in water pressure throughout their entire network of water pipes in Central Jersey, said the water company.

The leaking transmission main has been mostly isolated and water pressure is being restored in the system. As water pressure begins to return to customers’ homes, it may be discolored. If this occurs, customers should allow a cold water tap in the lowest part of their home to run until water is clear before collecting it to boil for consumption. Customers are still instructed to bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow cooling before using.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking; preparing foods; mixing baby formula, food, juices or drinks; washing vegetables and fruit; cooking; making ice; brushing teeth; and washing dishes until further notice.

Additionally, customers are still being asked to limit their water use to essential purposes only while New Jersey American Water works to repair the main and fully restore the flow of water to its system.

Be the first to know. Sign up to get Patch emails: https://patch.com/subscribe Contact this Patch reporter: Carly.baldwin@patch.com.