Water advisory grows to 30,000 Clifton and Passaic customers customers as repairs continue
Officials emphasized that there is currently no evidence of contamination.
The Passaic Valley Water Commission is expanding its boil water advisory in Clifton and Passaic to about 25,000 to 30,000 customers.
On June 3, the advisory affected about 5,000 customers. On June 2, surrounding customers were told only to conserve water while emergency repairs continued on the critical transmission main.
There are repairs underway on a 42-inch water main that connects to the larger line.
The water company said it needed to shut down the 51-inch main on Chittenden Road from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Thursday. During that time, water pressure was expected to fluctuate, increasing the risk of contaminants entering the mains.
Per New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requirements, a precautionary boil water advisory must remain in effect until water quality is tested and determined to be safe.
For now, water must be brought to a rolling boil for one minute and then cooled before consuming. That includes water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, preparing baby formula, washing dishes and washing fruits and vegetables.
Crews will continue working on the damaged infrastructure. There is no timetable for when normal water service will be restored.
Boiled or bottled water must be used for:
Drinking and cooking
Making ice and brushing teeth
Washing dishes, fruits and vegetables
Preparing infant formula
PVWC crews are working around the clock to complete the infrastructure repairs and stabilize the system. Once repairs are finalized, crews will collect water samples across the affected areas for laboratory testing.
Residents will be notified immediately through official channels when the advisory is lifted.
