Source: Patch.com New Jersey
A local state of emergency lingers in Montclair after the October 7 major water main break in Nutley.
Montclair public safety officials declared a local state of emergency on Saturday in connection with a large water main break that is affecting several towns in North Jersey. It remains in place as of yesterday morning.
During the state of emergency, Montclair residents must avoid any “non-essential use of water” and use water “only when absolutely necessary,” the Office of Emergency Management said.
Town officials said that non-essential uses of water includes “the watering of lawns, outdoor gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants, streets, driveways, sidewalks, and non-commercial washing of automobiles and trucks.”
Non-essential uses of water are also defined as:
– The serving of water in restaurants, clubs or eating places unless specifically requested by the individual
– Ornamental water use, such as fountains, artificial water falls, and reflecting pools
– Running partial loads in washing machines and dishwashers
– Operating non-essential ice machines
The broken 74-inch water main, which is located in Nutley, is operated by the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission (NJDWSC), which oversees the largest regional water supply in the state of New Jersey. According to the NJDWSC website, contracting municipalities include Newark, Paterson, Kearny, Bayonne, Passaic, Wayne, Bloomfield, Clifton, Montclair, Nutley, Cedar Grove and Glen Ridge.
A spokesperson with the NJDWSC told Patch last week that crews have been on the job “around the clock” since the break took place, and have been working with local police and other public safety officials on traffic and other related issues.
Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller said Sunday the leak has been located and sealed, and that the NJDWSC “seems to have made significant progress” and is “anticipating resolution in the very near future.”and the agency is in the process of testing the lines and restoring water flow – which would likely take 24 to 48 hours.
Amid the service issues, some towns have been helping their neighbors keep the water flowing. “Currently, we have connected our system with Cedar Grove and they are helping us with approximately 1,500 gallons per minute at this time,” Spiller said.
“Additionally, by connecting to Verona’s system, we have added 800 gallons per minute. Clifton is assisting us with 1,000 gallons per minute. And New Jersey American Water Company – a private company – has been able to add 600 gallons per minute to our system to also assist.”