The boil advisory for Hoboken and Jersey City finally ended on Sunday, September 6th after a rough few days in New Jersey due to Tropical Depression Ida’s path. Ida caused widespread flooding throughout the area, shutting down Newark Airport, flooding subways in NYC, causing water main breaks, and of course — flooding Hoboken and parts of Jersey City. The boil advisory had been in effect for all water in Hoboken and Jersey City as of Thursday the 2nd through Sunday the 5th. Below is more info, plus things you must do now that it’s lifted:
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and SUEZ have lifted the boil water advisory for Jersey City and Hoboken as of 5:37PM this afternoon.
Water quality tests were taken on Friday, September 3 and Saturday, September 4 following the repair of the aqueduct wall that was damaged by Tropical Storm Ida. The results of the tests were analyzed by a certified laboratory that confirmed that the water meets all safe drinking water standards.
🚨🚨🚨 BOIL WATER ORDER FOR JERSEY CITY + HOBOKEN NOW LIFTED. Lab tests confirm water meets all safety standards. Read the full notification statement and @newjerseydep certification that the boil water advisory is lifted: https://t.co/DkaAPxjaib @CityofHoboken @JerseyCity @JCMUA pic.twitter.com/C6eRiXx02V
— SUEZ Water NJ (@SUEZwaterNJ) September 5, 2021
It is no longer necessary for customers to boil their water for cooking, drinking or other purposes. Here is the link to the official notice: https://www.mysuezwater.com/alerts/boil-water-advisory-lifted-jersey-city-and-hoboken-0
“We would like to thank all Jersey City and Hoboken residents and businesses for their patience during this difficult time,” stated Xavier Castro, President, Environmental Services. “We understand that a boil water advisory disrupts daily routines and there are inconveniences while we make repairs and work to confirm the quality of the water.”
Tropical Storm Ida was a devastating storm, ravaging many communities along the Eastern seaboard, Including Jersey City and Hoboken. With eight inches of rain falling over just eight hours, the storm critically damaged the aqueduct in Cedar Grove Township that brings water into the two cities. An emergency crew was immediately dispatched, working throughout the day and well into the night to make the repair.
As a result of the damage, high turbidity levels- a measure of water clarity- were detected in water samples on Thursday, September 2..
Following consultation with city officials and the DEP, a boil water advisory was issued for all residents and businesses.
Once repairs were completed, SUEZ personnel flushed the water system in an effort to help cleanse the water. SUEZ water quality professionals collected multiple samples of the water throughout both cities. The samples were then submitted to a certified laboratory and incubated for no less than 24 hours and tests conducted to ensure water quality. Finally, the results of the tests that indicate the water is safe to drink were sent to the DEP for verification and the boil water advisory has been lifted.
Now that the boil water advisory has been lifted, it is recommended that residents take the following actions:
- Empty and clean automatic ice makers and water chillers.
- Drain and refill hot water heaters if the temperature is set below 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Run water softener/cartridge filters through a regeneration cycle or the procedures recommended by the product manufacturer.
- Run water faucets for 3 to 5 minutes to flush the service connection and interior plumbing.
In addition to calling customer service, customers can visit mysuezwater.com. Information is also updated on Twitter @SUEZ Water NJ and Facebook @SUEZ Water North Jersey.
An update from SUEZ regarding a boil water advisory and water main breaks previously:
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a boil water order for Jersey City and Hoboken. The boil water advisory was issued after the heavy rains caused by Hurricane Ida caused damage to the aqueduct in the Cedar Grove Township.
The boil water order is in effect until further notice. SUEZ will notify customers when the order is lifted. Customers should boil their water before using it for drinking or cooking purposes.
Customers, even if their water is filtered at home, must boil their water for one minute and allow it to cool for the following uses: drinking, cooking, baking, washing dishes, making ice cubes, taking medication, brushing teeth, washing food, mixing baby formula, mixing juices or drinks, feeding pets or other consumption.
Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause illness and could pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. Water does not have to be boiled for showering or washing clothes.
SUEZ emergency crews are on site repairing the aqueduct, which is expected to be completed this evening. Additionally other SUEZ crews are flushing the system in both Jersey City and Hoboken to remove high turbidity out of the system. SUEZ will also continue to collect samples and monitor water quality in the distribution system. The company will work with the DEP to inform residents when the boil water is lifted.
SUEZ has issued a boil water order due to the impact of Tropical Depression Ida. In collaboration with Suez, the City is distributing bottled water to the Hoboken Housing Authority and Seniors in western Hoboken.
— City of Hoboken (@CityofHoboken) September 3, 2021
For more information on the boil advisory Hoboken customers can call 800-422-0141.
