Water To Be Restored Over Two Weeks

Springfield residents should see gradual water restoration by the end of this week and continuing into next week, according to a Monday night press release from New Jersey American Water.

This also applies to West Orange, Maplewood, Irvington, Millburn and Summit, according to the same press release.

Springfield and other local municipalities have been under a boil water advisory since Hurricane Irene swept through the area. Residents reportedly have had either no water, water flow with low pressure, or water with brown stains.

The problems were caused when the Canoe Brook Water Treatment Plant in Millburn was severely impacted by flood waters and loss of power.

"The company estimates that its Canoe Brook Water Treatment Plant in Millburn, Essex County will begin to recover from severe flooding and a loss of power from Hurricane Irene beginning late this week, and the plant is expected to be fully operational within two weeks," the press release read. "As water service recovers over the next several days, customers may still be under a boil water advisory, and water service pressures may vary in different areas."

The Department of Environmental Protection has determined that a potential or actual threat to the quality of water being provided to you currently exists. Until further notice, bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow to cool before using for consumption; drinking, ice cubes, washing vegetables and fruit, and for brushing teeth. Please continue to boil your water until you are notified that the water quality is acceptable.

New Jersey American Water also recommends the following steps:

• Throw away uncooked food or beverages or ice cubes if made with tap water during the day of the advisory;

• Keep boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking;

• Rinse hand-washed dishes for a minute in diluted bleach (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of tap water) or clean your dishes in a dishwasher using the hot wash cycle and dry cycle.  

• Do not swallow water while you are showering or bathing; Provide pets with boiled water after cooling;

• Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiling or using bottled water; most home water filters will not provide adequate protection from microorganisms;

• Use only boiled water to treat minor injuries.

New Jersey American Water advises customers that updated information will be available on its website under the Alerts Notifications section and on their Facebook Page. Customers can call 1-800-652-6987 with questions.