By: Richard L. Smith
Crews from the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) continue around-the-clock efforts to repair a massive 30-inch water main break that has disrupted service for large sections of Paterson, Prospect Park, Haledon, and North Haledon since early Friday morning.
According to PVWC officials, the break occurred around 6 a.m. on August 8, impacting a critical pipeline that feeds water to thousands of homes and businesses.
Emergency contractors and PVWC staff immediately mobilized to isolate the damaged section and begin repairs. However, due to the pipe’s age, challenging terrain, and nearby infrastructure, access to the site has been difficult, causing delays in the repair process.
Current estimates place full repairs within 36 to 48 hours, but no definitive completion time has been set.
Many residents remain without running water, while others are under a boil water advisory issued on Friday.
PVWC urges residents to continue boiling tap water or using bottled water until water quality tests confirm it is safe.
To help meet basic needs during the outage, PVWC, in coordination with the Passaic County Office of Emergency Management, is setting up comfort stations with portable restrooms and shower units.
Free bottled water is also being distributed to residents of Paterson and Prospect Park at Hillford Park, located at North 8th and Oxford Streets.
Distribution begins daily at noon and will continue while supplies last; proof of residency is required.
According to Paterson city officials, Mayor Andre Sayegh and PVWC Executive Director Jim Mueller will hold a public update on Sunday, August 10, at 10 a.m. at the comfort station site.
The announcement will highlight the addition of shower facilities to aid residents who have been without water for several days, as well as provide the latest information on the restoration operation.
PVWC crews and contractors remain on-site, working to restore normal service as quickly and safely as possible.
Officials will continue to provide updates on repair progress and water testing results in the coming days.