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Cold Snap Bursts Water Mains Across Tri-State Area
1 Feb
Summary
- Over a dozen water main breaks occurred in the past week due to extreme cold.
- Rapid temperature swings cause ground contraction and expansion, stressing pipes.
- Residents can prevent freezing pipes by insulating them and locating shut-off valves.
Frigid temperatures have led to more than a dozen water main breaks across the New York and New Jersey area in the past week. Veolia Water Company attributes these breaks to the extreme cold, explaining that rapid temperature fluctuations cause the ground to contract and expand, known as frost heave, which stresses underground pipes.
Several towns, including Montvale, were particularly affected on Saturday, with multiple breaks reported on Grand Avenue, causing significant traffic disruptions and temporary closure of a Garden State Parkway ramp. Crews worked in sub-freezing conditions to repair the damaged mains. Other affected areas include Warren Township, Nutley, Edison, Parsippany, Union, West Orange, and Haledon, where breaks led to school closures.
Similar issues were reported across New York City, with breaks in Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. One incident in the Morrisania section of the Bronx caused flooding and required extensive repairs to restore water and heat to residents. Veolia offers tips for homeowners, such as insulating pipes and identifying main shut-off valves, to prevent freezing.
