Water Main Update 4: Repairs Taking Longer Than Expected

“We’ll be lucky if we have water by tomorrow morning even if everything goes as planned from this point forward”

Edison, NJ – A major water main break near Ben Franklin School has left a large part of South Edison with little to no water pressure. The rupture, affecting a 20-inch main, late Christmas night, and while repair crews are working tirelessly, a return to normal water service is still uncertain.

Edison Water Utility is working with J. Fletcher Creamer & Son, the contractor managing the repair, has confirmed that necessary pumps and an insertion valve have been successfully installed. However, isolating the flow of water from the damaged section of pipe has proven challenging. This crucial step is necessary to allow crews to begin repairing the break.

“We’ll be lucky if we have water by tomorrow morning even if everything goes as planned from this point forward, it’s a complex repair and will take time” said the project manager from J. Fletcher Creamer & Son.

The cause of the break remains unknown, but aging infrastructure is often a contributing factor in such incidents.

The lack of water pressure is impacting homes and closing businesses throughout South Edison. Residents are facing difficulties with basic tasks like showering, cooking, and flushing toilets. Local businesses, particularly restaurants and cafes, are also feeling the effects, with some forced to close temporarily.

Water is being distributed at Edison firehouses located at 25 Plainfield Avenue and 1997 Route 27 and also at the Edison Senior Center 2963 Woodbridge Avenue. The Edison Board of Education has opened up Herbert Hoover Middle School and James Monroe Elementary School along with Minnie B Veal Community Center, Edison Senior Center, Edison VFW, Sheraton Hotel and Metuchen High School in order to use the restrooms. Restrooms and showers are available at the Jewish Community Center 1775 Oak Tree Road and the Woodbridge Community Center 600 Main Street in Woodbridge

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Mayor Joshi and Chief of Staff Bob Diehl did not respond to request for comment.