HOBOKEN, N.J. (1010 WINS) — The large water main break that deprived Hoboken businesses and residents of water on Monday was isolated Tuesday afternoon — a step that should restore service Tuesday evening, according to the company responsible for the repairs.
The city said the break happened when a PSE&G contractor damaged a water main on Observer Highway near the Hoboken-Jersey City border, which prompted the state of emergency. Hoboken will investigate the line break.
"Good news: we’ve been on scene as Veolia Water NJ has successfully isolated the broken water main," wrote Hoboken Mayor Ravinder Bhalla on Twitter. "This is the critical step needed to allow water to flow around the area, and water pressure to return to the rest of the city. Pressure should gradually return in the coming hours."
"I completely understand the enormous disruptions to everyone's daily lives; residents have every right to be disappointed and upset," he said in an earlier statement. "I too share in this disappointment, as both your Mayor and as a resident."
Veolia Water identified a rupture at a connection between two lines as the source of the issues.
"The force of the initial rupture, unfortunately, it penetrated two mains or an interconnection of two mains. We isolated one of the mains, the 16-inch main. We're currently working to isolate the other one," said Veolia's Christopher Halleron.
City officials have confirmed that if residents or businesses have water, it is safe to drink, and that there is no boil water advisory.
The fire and police departments are open on Tuesday, but all other municipal offices are closed. Public schools have also been closed.
Hoboken University Medical Center announced late Tuesday afternoon that it would proceed with a "strategic and coordinated evacuation plan" to "ensure optimal safety for patients and staff in the hospital."
It's unclear whether those plans have changed now that an end to the crisis is in sight.
The leak is still affecting traffic. Drivers should avoid southwest Hoboken, while northern routes should be used to enter and exit the city.
The city has set up portable toilets at the following locations:
YMCA, 1300 Washington St.
400 First St.
15 Church Towers
514 Madison St.
455 Ninth St.
11th and Shipyard Lane
14th and Shipyard Lane
HUMC, on Clinton Street btw 3rd & 4th
220 Adams St.
221 Jackson St.
Fox Hills, 311 13th St.
Fourth and Harrison streets
Columbian Towers, 76 Bloomfield St.
Church Towers, 5th and Clinton streets
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