WMBCTV: Massive water main break in Paterson leaves hundreds of thousands of residents without water

What started as a sudden rupture behind Hinchliffe Stadium Friday morning is now a full-scale water emergency. A 140-year-old pipe burst, cutting off or reducing water service to thousands of homes and businesses in Paterson, Prospect Park, Haledon and North Haledon - and it’s all hitting during a current summer heatwave.

“All four mayors of all four municipalities are working together to resolve this situation with the Passaic Valley Water Commission,” said Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. “As you know, it was a major water main break and a pipe that dates back to 1880 and so the operation will take longer as a result of the fact that this is a 140 year old pipe that we’re dealing with.”

Officials say repair and construction efforts continue, and in the meantime, the boil water advisory remains in effect. For those in need of water, city officials have set up a comfort station here at JFK High School with portable showers and bathrooms. At this location, residents can also pick up water donated by ShopRite and other agencies.

“We need to conserve water,” said Mayor Sayegh. “For those that have it, low pressure - we want to make sure that there’s enough.”

To conserve water, officials have shut down splash pads for the week and are urging residents to avoid outdoor water use - and to resist opening fire hydrants as this can have a detrimental impact on pressure needed in the instance of rapid fire response.

“We know it’s warm outside,” said Troy Ayers, Emergency Management Coordinator, Paterson. “The pools are open. Go to the pools. Do not open the fire hydrants, we do not want pressure to drop in the area.”

For now, bottled water is available for pickup with ID as well as delivery for those most vulnerable while supplies last. City leaders say they’ll continue to provide updates. Until then, residents are urged to follow all water safety guidelines and conserve wherever possible. This latest disruption is another reminder of aging infrastructure throughout the region and the ongoing dilemma to safeguard residents especially in older urban communities.