Thousands of Edison residents woke up without water or with low pressure on December 26, 2023, following a significant water main break. The rupture, which occurred shortly after midnight near Ben Franklin Elementary School on Woodbridge Avenue, has left approximately 20,000 residents and businesses affected.
Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene to address the rupture of the 20-inch water main. According to Edison Mayor Sam Joshi, the break was likely caused by the aging infrastructure and harsh weather conditions. "Some of these pipes are more than 80 years old," Mayor Joshi remarked during a press briefing. "The extreme weather conditions put unbearable strain on our water system."
The officials reported being able to isolate the affected segment of the pipe, drastically reducing water flow by 70%. Repair teams are now working with specialized equipment to install insertion valves to facilitate the repair process. While residents are faced with limited access to water, town officials are optimistic about restoring service by Friday morning.
To safeguard public health, the township has issued a boil water advisory for all affected areas, advising residents to boil water for at least one minute before consumption. "We’re taking no chances when itcomes to public health," emphasized Mayor Joshi. Residents are expressing concern about the situation, with business owners like Justin Zhu noting, "We have to buy bottled water to wash all of our stuff and even rinse anything or make any drinks. So, it's pretty tough."
The town has also set up water distribution centers at Firehouse #1 on Plainfield Avenue and Firehouse #2 on Route 27, where residents can collect bottled water. The Edison Senior Center is open for public restroom access, offering respite to those who need it. Local businesses have also stepped up, providing complimentary bottled water throughout the community.
Mayor Joshi acknowledged the challenges residents are facing. "This is a testimony to our community’s resilience and solidarity," he stated, as neighboring towns have also provided additional resources to assist. The situation has not only affected Edison; similar incidents are reported throughout Central New Jersey, leaving many residents under boil water advisories.
This event has drawn attention to the dire need for upgrading Edison’s aging pipe infrastructure. Mayor Joshi and township officials have committed to prioritizing the replacement and enhancement of outdated pipes to withstand extreme weather events. "This is not just about fixing today’s problem but preventing tomorrow’s," Joshi asserted, highlighting the importance of longer-term solutions.
While repair crews work diligently to restore normal water service, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official updates via the township's website and social media. The community is urged to remain patient, as water service is expected to resume gradually. To bolster community relations, the township is expected to hold regular updates and provide data on the restoration timeline.
Despite the disruption, the spirit of the Edison community remains resilient. Residents are reminded to continue boiling their water until the advisory is officially lifted and to remain vigilant as repair operations conclude. For more information, the Edison Water Utility can be contacted at 732-248-6409.
A press conference is scheduled for Friday morning, focusing on the restoration timeline and future infrastructure plans to prevent similar crises from recurring.
