Boil Water Advisory Issued for Bridgewater, Raritan Borough, and Somerville Following Water Main Break

New Jersey American Water cautions residents to boil water for safety and reduce outdoor water use as repairs are underway.

New Jersey American Water has issued a mandatory boil water advisory for residents in Bridgewater, Raritan Borough, and Somerville due to a loss of pressure following a break in a 36-inch water main along Route 206 in Somerville. Effective immediately, residents are urged to boil water for at least one minute before consumption and to limit nonessential outdoor water usage to maintain system pressure during repairs.

The water utility announced that this advisory is precautionary to address a potential threat to water quality in the affected areas. "We are implementing a limited Boil Water Advisory until testing of the water supply is deemed satisfactory," New Jersey American Water said, assuring residents that they will be notified when it is safe to resume regular water use.

Until further notice, residents should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, cooking, washing produce, brushing teeth, making ice, and preparing baby formula. Other guidelines include:

• Discarding any food or beverages prepared with tap water on the day of the advisory.
• Storing 2-3 gallons of boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking or cooking, as it can be safely stored for 2-3 days.
• Avoiding ingestion of water during showers or baths.
• Using a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon per gallon) for rinsing hand-washed dishes or using a dishwasher's hot cycle.
• Providing pets with water that has been boiled and cooled.

In addition to the boil water advisory, a conservation notice has been issued. Residents are asked to avoid outdoor irrigation, car washing, and other nonessential water use to help maintain water pressure levels during repairs.

New Jersey American Water is actively addressing the issue, with impacted customers receiving notifications via the company's emergency system. The advisory will remain in place until repairs are complete and water quality tests confirm that the water is safe for normal use. For updates, customers are encouraged to follow New Jersey American Water’s notifications and advisories.