JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for customers served by Jefferson Township Water within the Lake Hopatcong water system following a water main break, township officials announced.
According to the advisory, a water main break on Swan Lane caused some customers to experience either a loss of water service or a significant drop in water pressure. As a precautionary measure, the advisory was issued due to a potential threat to water quality.
The advisory applies to all customers within the Jefferson Water Lake Hopatcong service area and took effect immediately at 7:00 p.m. on January 16, 2026. It will remain in place until repairs are completed and water quality testing confirms the supply is safe.
What Residents Should Do
Until further notice, customers are instructed to:
- Bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and allow it to cool before use, or
- Use bottled water
Boiled or bottled water should be used for:
- Drinking
- Preparing food
- Mixing baby formula
- Washing fruits and vegetables
- Cooking
- Making ice
- Brushing teeth
- Washing dishes
Boiling water kills bacteria and other harmful organisms that may be present.
Additional Precautions Recommended
Officials also advise residents to:
- Discard any uncooked food, beverages, or ice made with tap water on the day of the advisory
- Store boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking
- Avoid swallowing water while showering or bathing
- Rinse hand-washed dishes with a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of household bleach per gallon of tap water), or use a dishwasher with a hot wash and dry cycle
- Avoid using home water filtration devices as a substitute for boiling or bottled water
- Use only boiled water for treating minor injuries
- Provide pets with boiled and cooled drinking water
Residents should continue boiling water or using bottled water until they are officially notified that the advisory has been lifted.
Ongoing Repairs
Jefferson Water officials said crews are working as quickly as possible to restore full water service and water quality. Testing will be conducted before the advisory is rescinded.
Residents with questions may contact Robert De Block of De Block Environmental Services at (973) 417-3097. Updates will also be posted on the township website at Jefferson Township’s official site.
