Main Break In West Caldwell; Boil Water Advisory Lifted

WEST CALDWELL, NJ — A water main break in West Caldwell “greatly impacted” service on Stonybrook Road and created a temporary "boil water advisory" for the entire borough on Monday, authorities said.

The West Caldwell Police Department issued the following advisory at 5:37 a.m.:

“Water main break on Stonybrook Road. Water pressure and water flow are greatly impacted. Stonybrook Road will be closed near Natalie Drive.”

Police offered an update at 9:13 a.m.:

"There is a water main break on Stonybrook Road and Natalie Drmive. Water pressure and water flow are greatly impacted. Stonybrook Road will be closed near Natalie Drive. Water service will be shut off for approximately eight hours. Please be patient and we will post updates as soon as they become available."

Authorities offered another update on Monday afternoon:

"In case of an emergency, 16-ounce bottles of water are available behind the police station. Please call 862-881-1761, if needed. Maximum of four, 16-oz bottles per household. If we are able to acquire a larger supply of bottled water, we will make another notification."

West Caldwell Mayor Joe Tempesta issued a statement about the situation on Monday afternoon. Tempesta wrote:

"Please be advised the West Caldwell Water Department has been informed us of a significant water main break to our main supply line coming into town on Stonybrook Road. This is the same line we currently receive water from our main supply which is the Passaic Valley Water system. The break has been found and is currently bring worked on and it is anticipated it will take most of the day to repair. As a result, both town pools are closed for precautionary reasons more due to the pandemic and not having running water for washing. It is anticipated that all repairs including the flushing of our entire water system should be completed by this evening. We will update you this evening as to the status of the repairs and when our water will be up and running. Once the water is available it is advised to run your cold water for a few minutes until it runs clear."

West Caldwell police offered another update at 5:28 p.m., noting that the entire borough water system is under a boil water advisory until further notice:

"The repair to the water main on Stonybrook Road is complete. It may take up to a few hours for the entire water system to refill. Please run your cold water until your water is running clear. The entire West Caldwell water system is under a BOIL WATER ADVISORY until further notice. The water is safe to wash yourself, but should not be ingested (including your pets) without first boiling the water and allowing it to cool."

West Caldwell officials lifted the boil water advisory on Wednesday.

"If you are experiencing discoloration of your water, please run your cold water until it runs clear," officials said.

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