Paterson Officials Hope To Restore Water Service By Thursday Evening

Paterson city and water officials said Thursday they hope to restore water by the evening, following nearly a week of disruption caused by a massive water main break near Hinchcliffe Stadium.

As of Thursday morning, officials said some neighborhoods have water service restored for essential uses, such as flushing toilets and showering, though thousands remain affected by low pressure or lack of water.

Despite these improvements, officials emphasized that the system is still in recovery mode and is not fully restored. A boil water advisory remains in effect across Paterson, Prospect Park, Haledon, and North Haledon, meaning all residents and businesses must boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or making ice until further notice. 

Officials warn that lifting the advisory will take additional days, as thorough water quality testing must confirm the supply is safe for consumption. Residents with restored water should conserve usage. 

Repair on the broken pipe will continue over the weekend. Local leaders have approved a major $800 million, five-year modernization plan for the water system, including new transmission mains, pressure sensors, and updated monitoring infrastructure.

Resources for Affected Residents

Editor’s note: This section will be updated as more information becomes available.

Bottled water

• All affected residents can collect drinkable water at North 8th Street and Oxford Street. Supplies are distributed from 12 p.m. on Thursday while supplies last.
• Haledon residents can pick up drinkable water at Haledon Recreation Center on 83 Roe St. from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. or non-drinkable water at the Haledon Municipal Complex Parking Lot on 510 Belmont Ave. from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• North Haledon residents can collect drinking and non-drinking water at the Department of Public Works on 37 Willow Brook Court, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are advised to bring their own five-gallon containers.
• Prospect Park residents can pick up water at the municipal building on 106 Brown Ave.,  two packs of water bottles per household, or 9-gallon jugs of water.

Comfort Stations and Portable Shower Stalls:

• Paterson residents can access John F. Kennedy High School on 61-127 Preakness Ave. from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or Amazing Kids Paradise at 779 East 26th st. from  6 to 9 p.m., by appointment only–call (973) 523-5318 to reserve.
• Haledon residents can access showers at Haledon Recreation Center on 83 Roe St. from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• North Haldeon can access portable bathrooms on Recreation Field, near the children’s playground (near High Mountain School) and Field #1. Residents are advised to use the entrance for High Mountain School on 515 High Mountain Rd. off of Brookview Drive.
• Shower stalls will arrive for Prospect Park residents on Thursday. Updates will be posted on the municipality’s Facebook page.

Senior Citizen and Disabled Residents Hotline:

• Home delivery of water is available for senior and disabled residents in Paterson. Call 973-321-1410 for assistance (confirmation of eligibility required; direct line to Office of Emergency Management).
• North Haledon residents can call (973) 423-1111 for help. 
• Haledon residents can call the Haledon Police Department for help at (973) 790-4444.