Watch CBS News

Water Nightmare Continues For Monmouth County Residents After Three Water Mains Break

LINCROFT, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Service has been restored to residents in Monmouth County, after broken water mains resulted in a nightmare during one of the hottest days of the year.

A pedestrian bridge over the Swimming River Reservoir collapsed, sending water gushing and causing three water mains to break.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports 

Podcast

"That collapsed, which caused that to collapse," Peter Eschbach of New Jersey American Water told CBS 2's Rachel Stockman as he pointed to water mains. "Obviously we will be investigating that."

PDF: Map of Affected Areas in Monmouth County

About 200,000 people serviced by New Jersey American Water -- spanning 18 towns throughout Monmouth County -- were affected. Some lost water altogether, while others saw a reduction in pressure.

1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports 

Podcast

"We are not drinking any water from the faucets," Middletown resident Esther Ciprich said. "The water appears clear now, but I don't trust it."

Web Extra: Letter from the Spokesman of Monmouth County

"We are really working as quickly as possible," Eschbach said. "But we are talking about a pipe that weighs a couple of tons per section, and then getting that in place."

New Jersey American Water currently has three water distribution centers, located at Middletown High School North, Middletown High School South and the Wolf Hill Recreation Area in Oceanport. According to Gov. Chris Christie, New Jersey American Water will open a fourth distribution center later this afternoon at the Shrewsbury Municipal Building.

While service has been restored officials are urging residents to continue conserving water.

The Office of Emergency Management has put out a few guidelines, including:

*Bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow it to cool down.
*Keep boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking.
*Do not swallow water when you are showering or bathing.
*Rinse hand-washed dishes for a minute in diluted bleach, or clean your dishes using the hot-wash cycle.
*Do not use home filters in place of boiled or bottled water.
*Use only boiled water when cleaning cuts or injuries.

"I brushed my teach with bottled water," local Rosemary Vemos said.

Meanwhile,Vemos and many others in the area are stocking up on water at one of the distribution centers, continuing to conserve in the heat.

Water distrobution stations will be open from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. on Sunday. They will be located at the following:

Middletown North High School, 63 Tindall Road, Middletown

Middletown South High School, 900 Nut Swamp Rd, Middletown

Wolf Hill Recreation Area, 3 Crescent Place, Oceanport

Monmouth County residents, how are you dealing with this water nightmare? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.