Water and Sewer Utilities Director Andrea Adebowale announced today that the City’s water remains safe for drinking and bathing. There has been no bacterial contamination. Residents are advised to flush the water in their homes for 5-10 minutes to clear out any remaining discoloration. 

Three separate and unrelated incidents this week led to the discoloration of Newark’s water:

• On     Saturday, October 8, a valve on Aqueduct No. 1 was hit by a contractor,     which required it to be isolated temporarily. When the aqueduct’s flow was     re-opened, it created discoloration in the system on Sunday, October 9,     and Monday, October 10.
• On     Sunday, October 9, a leak was found in the same aqueduct, forcing it to be     shut down for repair.
• Simultaneously,     the North Jersey District Water Supply was performing scheduled     maintenance on the Wanaque Reservoir System. This maintenance disturbed     sediment in water transmission pipes, which in turn caused discoloration     throughout the system.

While most portions of the City are no longer affected by discolored water, residents who have discolored water should call (973) 733-3654 or e-mail the City at waterandsewer@ci.newark.nj.us, and the Department of Water and Sewer Utilities will investigate and flush the mains where possible. The phone line is operational 24 hours a day