Repairs to a water main break impacting Paterson and several surrounding communities are expected to be completed within the next 36-48 hours, the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC) says.

On Friday, a 30-inch water main broke in the city. PVWC officials say due to the location of the break, the aging system, local topography and nearby infrastructure, it has been difficult to access the break. That has led to repairs being delayed.

As result, business and residents in Paterson, Prospect Park, Haledon and North Haledon remain without water or are under boil water advisory. The advisory will remain in effect until repairs are completed and testing shows the water quality to be safe.

Officials are asking people to continue to boil water or use bottled water until they are notified that the water quality is good to use.

The commission says they are working on a plan with the Passaic County OEM to establish comfort stations for showers and portable restrooms.

Starting at noon Saturday, PVWC will provide free bottled water to Paterson residents in Hillford Park. People must show proof of residency in Paterson or Prospect Park.

Manchester Utilities Authority customers in North Haledon and Haledon have also been impacted by the break. There is a free water distribution happening at Purified Alkaline Water in Haldon until 2 p.m. North Haledon residents can receive water at the North Haledon VFW on High Mountain Road until 4 p.m.