Residents of Paterson are under a citywide boil water advisory following a large water main break this morning near Hinchliffe Stadium.
According to Passaic Valley Water Commission, the break involves a 30-inch water main.
"Due to a 30-inch water main break near Hinchcliffe Stadium, Passaic Valley Water Commission has issued a boil water advisory for residents and businesses in the entire city of Paterson," the water commission said in a statement. "This advisory is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice."
PVWC said residents should bring all water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice and washing dishes, then allowing the water to cool before use. Water quality testing is taking place to determine when it will be safe to lift the advisory, PVWC said.
Residents of Paterson have told News 12 they woke up this morning with low or no water pressure.
Interview with Mayor Andre Sayegh
The Jersey Jackals, who play at Hinchliffe Stadium, were scheduled to play the Brockton Rox tonight at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Andre Sayegh told News 12 the team would likely have to cancel the game. Tonight's schedule included a special Taylor Swift promotion that was set to include the distribution of friendship bracelets.
Officials have found the source of the break and are in the process of making repairs. Sayegh said the work could take up to 24 hours. He said residents from many areas of Paterson and Prospect Park have reported loss of water pressure or no water at all.
Sayegh said the city's Office of Emergency Management will work to coordinate water distribution for affected residents.
Passaic Valley Water Commission said once service is restored, residents still experiencing discoloration should run cold water from the lowest tap in their home until it runs clear.
Officials at St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson said as of now, there are only minimal impacts to the hospital.
"St. Joseph’s University Medical Center has been minimally impacted by this morning’s water main break, and patient care has not been affected," a hospital spokesperson said. "We are continuing to monitor the situation and remain in close contact with city officials."