Crews isolate water main break impacting 200K people in Passaic County

A boil water advisory remains in effect for residents of Paterson and Prospect Park.

Chris Keating

Aug 11, 2025, 4:59 PM

Updated 3 hr ago

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Crews have isolated a leak from a 30-inch water main break in Paterson that has impacted more than 200,000 people in the area.
The break impacted the residents of Paterson, Prospect Park, North Haledon and Haledon.
The Passaic Valley Water Commission says that crews are working around the clock to fix the 140-year-old pipe, which is located 20 to 30 feet underground.
Some residents in the area have asked if the recent earthquake may have caused the pope to break.
"Earthquakes don't help when pipes are 140 years old. One of the complicated aspects of it is, we don't have reliable drawings of what is in the ground,” said Jim Mueller, with the water commission.
Officials say that the water pressure is starting to rise.
The Passaic Valley Water Commission says that despite this major milestone, residents and businesses in Paterson and Prospect Park need to continue boiling their water for at least a minute before using it.
Crews will be testing the water to ensure the water is safe to drink after they complete all the repairs.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Bottled Water Distribution:
Date & Time: Beginning at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12 until supplies last
Location: Corner of North 8th Street and Oxford Street, Paterson
Requirement: Proof of residency in Haledon, North Haledon, Paterson or Prospect Park
Comfort Station:
In partnership with the City of Paterson, portable bathrooms and showers are being provided for residents without water. Portable toilets and four mobile shower units are up and running at Kennedy High School.
Date & Time: Beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, until 8 p.m.
Location: John F. Kennedy High School, Paterson