Paterson’s boil-water advisory continues into third day due to ongoing water main repairs.

Residents of Paterson, New Jersey, have continued to experience significant disruptions as they navigate the fallout from a broken water main that has left many without safe water access for nearly three days. The Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) is actively engaged in repairs to a 30-inch water main that ruptured early on Friday morning. While progress has been reported, officials indicated that full repairs are forecasted to extend for an additional 24 to 36 hours, marking a delay that has escalated concerns within the community.

Authorities issued a citywide boil-water advisory, advising all 162,000 residents against using tap water until the water quality can be confirmed as safe. The situation has prompted the establishment of comfort stations throughout the city, providing residents with access to portable showers and restroom facilities. These stations emerged as essential resources for individuals who can provide proof of residency in the affected areas, addressing immediate sanitation needs amid the ongoing crisis.

The water main break occurred shortly after 6 a.m. on Friday in a secluded area behind the historic Hinchliffe Stadium, a location adjacent to the Paterson Great Falls National Park. As efforts to contain the break expanded, the advisory was broadened to include the neighboring Borough of Prospect Park. Notably, many affected residents reported experiencing low or even nonexistent water pressure, alongside complaints of discolored water, exacerbating the urgency of the advisory.

Complicated logistical challenges have hampered repair efforts, attributed to the intricate interplay of the break’s location, the age of the infrastructure, and local geographic factors. The aging water systems in Paterson are a particular concern, with parts reportedly dating back to the late 19th century. City officials emphasized that such antiquated infrastructure significantly complicates repair efforts, with workers requiring access to the damaged pipe through thick brush in a wooded terrain.

As updates continue to emerge, the PVWC has reported that they have successfully reduced the leak’s impact by half and have initiated temporary connections to neighboring water systems to help alleviate the pressure on local resources. The ongoing situation has drawn attention to the aging water infrastructure in Paterson and the challenges associated with maintaining and upgrading these critical systems in urban environments.

The local community remains hopeful for a resolution as officials continue to navigate the complexities of the repair process, ensuring that residents receive timely updates while facilitating necessary resources during this challenging time.