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UNITED WATER ISSUES BOIL WATER ADVISORY FOR JERSEY CITY & LYNDHURST

Jersey City, NJ, November 11, 2003 4:00 p.m. – United Water Jersey City’s emergency crews have restored normal water system pressure throughout Jersey City and Lyndhurst after workers isolated the 36-inch water transmission main that broke early this morning and caused a reduction in water pressure. United Water has issued a boil water advisory to all residents of Jersey City, Hoboken and Lyndhurst, which is in effect until further notice. 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 officials expect that all residents of Jersey City and Lyndhurst will have normal water pressure by late this afternoon. The break, which occurred underneath a Belleville Turnpike bridge that spans a marsh near the Hackensack River in South Kearny, was first reported about 7:30 a.m. and quickly began to diminish water pressure throughout the two cities this morning.

United Water emergency crews are collecting water samples throughout the day and early from the distribution system to monitor the safety of the drinking water. Residents should boil their water 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.