Update: As of August 11th at 11AM, water pressure has been restored to nearly all households in Essex County — though a boil water advisory is still in effect for Bloomfield, Belleville, and Newark. This advisory is expected to be reassessed after the results of the water test come back on August 12th. The Montclair Girl will continue to update this article with the most recent information.
A major water main break in Belleville on the morning of August 9th prompted a city-wide emergency in Newark and impacted other Essex County towns, including Nutley and Bloomfield. At around 8AM on Tuesday, a pipe broke in Branch Brook Park — which is on the border of Newark and Belleville, per CNBC. The 72-inch water main line break caused immediate flooding that was so intense, it resembled a river, according to Fox5.
The break also caused a sinkhole at the scene, trapping a vehicle.
(Photo credits: @belleville_fire)
Some sources are saying that there was a secondary water main break on Joralemon Street in Belleville, causing further issues and wreaking havoc on the surrounding area.
Though the city of Newark initially tweeted that the water main break was in Newark and would cause some local residents to experience no water or low water pressure, it later corrected that the main break was actually in Belleville — though it is is severely impacting residents in Newark.
(Credits: @cityofnewarknj)
Residents in the local area (including Newark, Belleville, and Bloomfield) have been advised to boil water until further notice. The city of Newark announced that officials would be going door-to-door to give out water during this crisis. Anyone experiencing major issues due to this water main break (especially amid the intense heat wave) has been advised to visit a local Essex County cooling center for refuge.
NBC New York reported that the Newark Office of Emergency Management has requested for neighboring cities to supply water tankers as they quickly repair the situation.
As of 11AM on August 9th, the city of Newark tweeted that 4 water valves have already been closed with 2 more hoping to be closed soon.
For any water emergencies, Newark residents should call 973-733-3654 — and for general questions, Newark resident should call 973-733-4311.
In light of the emergency, Newark public schools have canceled summer school for today, August 9th.
The Montclair Girl will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
