Summit and Newkirk: Water Line Struck

November 13th, 2008 | Leave a comment

Nov. 8, 2008 - Summit Avenue and Newkirk Street

Last Saturday, November 8, 2008, United Water began the weekly water shut off to fix pipes. Three days later, a water line was struck. So if you noticed water discoloration and low pressure last Tuesday (November 11, 2008), this was the cause.

A bit of a geyser spouted in Jersey City this afternoon when officials say a road crew struck a water line. Copyright: Conner Jay/The Jersey Journal

Read the rest for the full news ….

A column of water 5 feet in diameter and 6 feet high spouted on Summit Avenue near Journal Square in Jersey City this afternoon when a road crew struck a water line, officials told The Jersey Journal.

An earth mover’s backhoe hit the line at about 2 p.m. and workers said the large excavation hole at Newkirk Street filled with water so quickly they didn’t have a chance to see what had been struck.

Tomco Construction workers left the backhoe submerged in the hole in order to keep pressure on the leak as water overflowed onto the street and rushed down Summit Avenue. When the backhoe was removed, water surged in a column above the roadway.

Buildings in the area of the water main break are suffering low water pressure, according to Kevin O’Connor, director of external affairs for United Water.

Repairs should be completed by 6 tonight, he said.

When pressure is restored to normal levels, residents may see some discoloration in their tap water for a short time but their will be no danger and no need to boil the water, O’Connor said.

Jersey City fire officials are monitoring water pressure to determine if tanker trucks should be posted in the area to ensure there would be sufficient water in the event of a fire.

News Source: Jersey Journal