SOMERVILLE, NJ – The boil water advisory has been lifted in part of Somerset County after a water main break earlier this week.
New Jersey American Water customers in Bridgewater, Raritan Borough and Somerville no longer need to boil their tap water before using it, the utility announced Friday.
The utility says tests show the water quality is safe.
Break in the water main in Somerville causes an outage
On Wednesday morning, a 36-inch water main break on Route 206 in Somerville caused a loss of pressure in the area and a boil water advisory was issued, according to New Jersey American Water.
Some parts of the municipality were completely out of use for a while, forcing some schools and businesses to close.
According to New Jersey American Water, crews replaced the section of water main affected by the break Friday morning.
The same water pipe broke back on June 30, 2023. Residents in Bridgewater, Raritan Borough and Somerville were also flooded after that pause, and some businesses were forced to close.
“It’s frustrating because this is the second time this has happened in a year. Last time we were closed for a day and a half.” the owner of a Somerville pizzeria said Thursday.
The restaurant owner said they lost money by closing up shop, and although they were allowed to reopen with restrictions while the boil water advisory was in effect, they had to spend hundreds of dollars on bottled drinks and ice.
In a statement, New Jersey American Water said they are working on a permanent solution to replace the main, with a 30-inch bypass main expected to begin construction in early 2025.
