How residents are coping nearly week after water main break in Paterson
NORTH HALEDON, New Jersey (WABC) -- Residents in several Passaic County, New Jersey towns have had to cope without water service for nearly a week after a massive water main break in Paterson.
For those residents, it means they haven't been able to use sinks, toilets, showers and laundry machines.
In North Haledon Wednesday night, there was a glimmer of hope for impacted residents.
It's been almost a week since Lisa Neretti lost water. Going to the bathroom has been challenging.
"There's like a ring around the toilet now. I just want to throw up when I see it," Neretti said.
Dirty clothes are piling up, and nightly home cooked meals are becoming a distant memory.
"$156 later. All pre-made food," Neretti said.
The worst part, she says, every day she's being told the water is almost back.
"Every single day they say 12 to 24 hours, or 24 to 36 hours," Neretti said.
The water main break in Paterson has also impacted Prospect Park and Haledon, and while officials say progress is being made in Paterson, outside of the city, progress has yet to make an appearance.
"I think North Haledon and Haledon might be in even worse shape in certain instances," said Passaic Valley Water Commissioner Exec. Director Jim Mueller. "Again, we're trying to do everything we can to get them water and that's the best I have right now."
In the meantime, the North Haledon Police Department rented a portable shower system Tuesday morning.
The chief says it's been busier than they expected.
"We've never experienced anything like this" he said.
During the day, residents can also get water from the police station because they have a well.
Officers have also been hand delivering water to seniors.
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