Water pressure begins to rise days after Paterson water main break; boil advisory still in effect
PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- Water pressure has slowly started to rise in some New Jersey communities after crews successfully isolated the leak to a water main that ruptured last week, according to officials.
Water service has been interrupted for days after the 30-inch water main broke Friday near Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson.
The boil water advisory in Paterson and other neighboring towns still remains in effect.
Crews were able to isolate the shut off valve so water could be redirected on Monday night, but depending on where you live, water pressure is either improving or slowly coming back online.
"Already we're seeing messages from constituents telling us that their water is back on, but quite frankly, we still have work to do," said Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh.
Highly elevated areas such as the west side of the Passaic River, Paterson into Haledon, North Haledon and Prospect Park may take more time for water pressure to return.
High rises may also have a slower return.
Officials say they still have not reached the broken main which is some 30 feet underground.
More heavy equipment has been brought in to continue the dig, but it's a process that will take time.
"We expect that in the next day or two, the system will continue to recover but it is fairly slow, it's a wide area and again, that elevation is fighting us," Passaic Valley Water Commission Executive Director Jim Mueller said.
Crews will have to replace the busted main first, and then test the system.
Residents have had to go without indoor plumbing. Several groups have banded together setting up portable showers and restrooms for those who don't have running water at home.
Officials are still asking residents to continue to conserve water.
Water is being distributed at multiple locations and that will continue until 9 p.m. Tuesday or when the supply runs out.
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