Hoboken under boil water advisory after sinkhole causes 12-inch main break

Hoboken is under a boil water advisory until further notice after a sinkhole caused a 12-inch main break this morning, Veolia Water announced.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“This advisory is in effect due to fluctuations of water pressure in the system brought on by emergency repairs. Low water pressure could potentially allow for the presence of harmful microbes in the system,” Veolia said in a statement.

“Microbes in drinking water can cause illness and could pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly people, and people with severely compromised immune systems. Water does not have to be boiled for showering or washing clothes.”

They first announced on social media that they were responding to a leak near the intersection of Newark and Garden Streets around 10:30 a.m. before indicating that emergency repairs would be necessary around 10:45 a.m.

“Veolia will also continue to collect samples and monitor water quality in the distribution system. The company will work with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to inform residents when the boil water is lifted,” the water service provider added.

The Hudson County government wrote on X that a sinkhole led to the water main break and that repairs are expected to last well into the evening, with an estimated completion time of somewhere between 10 and 11 p.m.

Additionally, the Hoboken Office of Emergency Management said they will be distributing water at three different sites, beginning at 3 p.m.: the Multi-Service Center at 124 Grand St.,  Monroe Gardens at 221 Jackson St., and Fox Hill Gardens at 311 13th St.

In a Nixle alert from the city, residents and commuters are urged to avoid the area of Newark and Garden Streets, with Garden Street from Observer Highway to First Street – as well as Newark Street from Garden to Bloomfield Street – are all closed to traffic.