newjerseynewsroom.com

Located in Union, Essex, Morris, Mercer, and Middlesex counties

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

As the result of Hurricane Irene, residents of 11 New Jersey towns are being warned to boil their water before drinking or cooking with it.

The municipalities are Florham Park, Irvington, Maplewood, Millburn, Short Hills, Springfield, Summit, West Orange, Hightstown, Rockaway Township and South Amboy. More warnings are expected.

Using bottled water is an option to boiling tap water.

Public health officials advise that if you are unsure of your water system’s situation, check the web site for your specific water company or phone their offices. Public health officials are monitoring water quality.

Reasons for these boil water orders include disruptions to water supply treatment or delivery due to power outages and flooding caused by the storm. Additionally, damage to roadways throughout may be delaying transportation of supplies that may be needed to sustain operations.

Evidence of a water supply problem may include cloudy or turbid water, or if there has been a complete loss of water service or intermittent water service. The water purity ,ay have been compromised with disease-causing organisms.

Residents of the 11 municipalities should use boiled water for brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables and making beverages and ice. Tap water that has not been boiled may be used for showering, bathing, shaving and washing, so long as care is taken not to swallow or allow water in the eyes or nose or mouth.

Officials suggest that children and disabled individuals should have their bath supervised to ensure water in not ingested. Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immuno-suppressed, or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled water for cleansing until the concern of water quality has passed.