CONTACT: Ulises Diaz 201 487 0011

UNITED WATER ISSUES BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR JERSEY CITY & LYNDHURST

Jersey City, NJ, November 11, 2003 – United Water Jersey City has issued a boil water advisory to all residents of Jersey City and Lyndhurst. The boil water advisory is the result of a 36-inch main break underneath the Hackensack River near the Belleville Turnpike in South Kearny. The break was first reported about 7:30 a.m. and quickly began to diminish water pressure throughout the two cities this morning. Low water pressure creates the potential for bacterial contamination and officials are advising customers to boil their water for three minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.

United Water’s emergency crews were immediately on the scene of the 36-inch main break and are in the process of isolating the affected area. The company expects to restore normal water pressure for residents of Jersey City and Lyndhurst by mid-afternoon. The city of Hoboken is not affected by the main break.

United Water emergency crews will also collect water samples throughout the day from the distribution system to monitor the safety of the drinking water. Residents should boil their water until further notice. Water should be boiled for three minutes for the following: drinking, cooking, or baking, making ice cubes, taking medication, brushing teeth, washing food, mixing baby formula or food, mixing juices or drinks, feeding pets, and all other consumption. Water does not have to be boiled for the following activities: showering, washing dishes or clothes.