Boil water advisory remains in effect after water main break

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NEW BRUNSWICK -- A boil water advisory is still in effect for some neighborhoods after a large water main break Friday night in the area of Route 1 and Route 18.

Water service has been restored to most effected areas, police said in a statement, but the advisory remains for all those living on Clifton and Hoffman avenues as well as homes in the areas of Raritan Crossings, Rutgers Village and Edgebrook.

"Residents of Clifton Avenue and Raritan Gardens residents in buildings 100, 200 and 300 on Hoffman Avenue should also boil water until testing of the water supply is deemed satisfactory," the statement said. "Residents and businesses outside of this area are not affected by this advisory."

What should I do if my water is impacted?

The following are instructions from the city police department to those with impacted water service:

• Bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow the tap water to cool 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.

• If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant or elderly, you may be at an increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about this drinking water.

The police department also recommends that those with impacted water:

• Throw away uncooked food or beverages or ice cubes made with tap water during the day of the advisory.
• Keep boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking.
• Do not swallow water while showering or bathing.
• Rinse hand-washed dishes with a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of tap water) or clean your dishes in a dishwasher using the hot wash cycle and dry cycle.
• Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiling or using bottled water; most home water filters will not provide adequate protection from microorganisms.
• Use only boiled water to treat minor injuries.
• Provide pets with drinking water that has been boiled (and cooled).

"We are working as quickly as possible to restore your water quality," the statement said. "Thank you for your patience."

For further information or any other questions, contact the New Brunswick Water Utility's 24-hour emergency line at 732-745-5103.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.