Boil Water Advisory Lifted In West Orange After Main Break (UPDATED)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A precautionary boil water advisory has been lifted for some New Jersey American Water customers after a water main break in West Orange, township officials announced Sunday.

The boil water advisory applied to residents of Edgemont Drive between Ferris Drive and Eagle Rock Avenue, and Greenwood Avenue between Edgemont Road and Beechwood Terrace.

According to a previous statement from the township:

“Effective immediately and until further notice, customers within the impacted area, listed above, are instructed to bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow cooling before using or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking and preparing foods.”

Residents with questions can contact New Jersey American Water’s Customer Service Center at: 1-800-272-1325.

UPDATE

Mayor Susan McCartney gave an update about the situation on Sunday evening, noting that the boil water alert has been lifted. She wrote:

“Members of the township administration and I have been in contact with NJ American Water to resolve the water main break situation as swiftly and safely as possible between Edgemont and Eagle Rock, Greenwood and Beechwood. According to NJ American Water, what was considered a routine break was repaired promptly. However, NJAW was concerned that the water that was already in the pipes before the water was turned off might have been contaminated. That is why the boil water advisory was issued, so NJAW could run precautionary bacteriological water tests to ensure safe drinking water according to Department of Environmental Protection regulations.”

The incubation testing time is 24 hours, McCartney said.

“Having just spoken with the township's NJAW representative, test results have just been received and they are thankfully favorable and normal, so a reverse 911 call, plus a hand-delivered letter from a NJAW employee lifting the boil water advisory notification, along with restoring the water pressure was sent to each of the 24 homes affected,” McCartney added. “We are very sorry for this inconvenience; but I thank you for your patience in understanding the precautionary measures that needed to be taken to ensure public safety.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.