A major water main break in Belleville has left thousands of Newark residents without water, prompting city officials to begin a water distribution campaign.

A boil water advisory is in effect for most Newark and Belleville residents as crews work to repair the 42-inch main break.

Newark officials dropped off about 20 cases of water at the Help USA building on Clinton Avenue. All of it has already been claimed. Crews have been going door to door to drop off water for those in need.

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The tenant association president at Help USA says that people started to notice no or little water pressure while getting ready for work around 6 a.m. Some of the lower floors could get a trickle of water out of the tap, but residents on the fourth floor say no water came out.

“We didn't know what we were going to do this morning, especially those who had to get up and go to work. Getting these cases of water is a blessing for everyone in the building. Especially when there are so many seniors and kids in this budding,” says tenant association president Earl Williams.

There are also a handful of veterans who live in the building. Everyone was able to come together to help each other out.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka says that crews are working to make repairs and restore all water service.

Anyone who is in need of bottled water should call 973-733-3274.