30K Impacted By Major Water Main Break, Boil Advisory In Effect In Somerset County: Video

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A major water main break has caused around 30,000 customers in Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Raritan Borough, and Somerville to either lose service or experience reduced service on Friday. (See video below)

New Jersey American Water crews are currently working to complete the shutdown of a 36-inch water main break on Route 206 in Somerville Friday as of 9 p.m.

"Then customers in those four towns will have water pressure but they will still need to boil their water until water quality samples come back okay, which could happen in 24 hours from when the sample is taken, but could take up to another 24 hours longer," said a spokeswoman with NJ American Water to Patch.

See the video of the break below courtesy of David Pakenham (note some profanity in the video):

Mandatory Boiled Water Advisory

There is currently a mandatory boiled water advisory in place for all four towns.

"A potential or actual threat to the quality of water being provided to the above area currently exists. As a precaution, we are implementing a limited Boil Water Advisory until testing of the water supply is deemed satisfactory. New Jersey American Water will provide information as to when the advisory is lifted," said NJ American Water.

Residents in those areas are told 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; preparing foods; mixing baby formula, food, juices or drinks; washing vegetables and fruit; cooking; making ice; brushing teeth; and washing dishes until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Route 206 Closure

Route 206 North has remained closed at South Bridge Street in Somerville since around 4:10 p.m. on Friday.

Drivers are asked to follow the posted State Department of Transportation detour.

Outdoor Conservation Ban

New Jersey American Water issued a mandatory outdoor conservation ban on Friday at 10 p.m. for residential customers in Hunterdon and Somerset County over the next 48 hours while the company repairs a 36-inch water main break on Rt. 206 in Somerville.

"We are issuing this mandatory outdoor conservation ban to help us preserve our water supplies while we work to fix this very large diameter main," said Carmen Tierno, Senior Director of Central Operations for New Jersey American Water. "We appreciate our customers cooperation and patience as our crews work diligently to restore regular water service to the area."

Residential customers in Hunterdon and Somerset County should refrain from outdoor irrigation and other nonessential outdoor water use, such as washing cars and topping off swimming pools. Customers are being notified of this outdoor conservation notice via the company’s emergency notification system.

The water main break is also impacting restaurants and bathrooms in the area including the Bridgewater Commons mall and businesses on the Somerville Circle.

Additionally, stores such as Costco in Bridgewater were pretty much sold out of water on Friday evening.

Showers and Bathrooms

Showers and bathrooms are being offered by local YMCAs to all residents impacted by the water main break on Route 206 in Somerville. Read More: Showers, Bathrooms Offered To Somerset County Residents Impacted By Water Main Break

"All impacted residents (Y members or not) are invited to visit Bridgewater YMCA, Hillsborough YMCA, Somerset Hills YMCA & Princeton YMCA for shower and restroom," said Bridgewater YMCA.

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