A state of emergency was declared on Monday, February 27 in Hoboken after a severe water main break cut water service to large portions of the city, including Stevens. The incident, accidentally caused by a contracted construction job by PSE&G, occurred as the city was under a winter weather advisory in preparation for a snowstorm.
When the main break occurred, the National Weather Service had Hoboken under a winter weather advisory, cautioning residents to “plan on slippery road conditions.” By nightfall on Monday, Hoboken was receiving snow even as many students on campus were forced to travel outside to retrieve drinking water or use the bathroom.
Late Monday, the city announced that repairs to the water main were continuing overnight and that water was safe for use and consumption for the time being. Many establishments continued to have access to running water. Still, all those without were ordered to close on Monday night by the New Jersey Department of Health, according to Hoboken Patch.
The main break affected water access at Stevens, forcing the closure of most dining options and bathrooms. In a Stevens Alert sent shortly after the break, the university announced a slate of responses to the incident, including that classes scheduled for after 3 p.m. would be moved online, that portable toilets would be installed at several points around campus, and that bottled water would be distributed to students in the UCC lobby. All Tuesday-scheduled classes were also moved online, undergraduate classes were canceled after 2 p.m., and administrative offices were told to work remotely. Students were recommended to leave Hoboken if possible, and classes will take place remotely until Friday.
To aid with the turmoil caused by the main break, Stevens provided two water bottles for campus residents and changed the hours of operation for campus spaces and recreational facilities. Stevens also allowed students living on or off-campus who were not able to leave Hoboken to use outdoor restroom facilities and dine at Pierce. Administration recommended students use water sparingly and utilize portable toilets stationed outdoors on campus.
As of Tuesday night, the main break was finally located and repairs began. Starting Wednesday, Hoboken has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for the following: washing dishes, drinking, cooking, 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 main breaks are a reality of living in Hoboken, According to the HobokenNJ website, “Swome parts of Hoboken’s water system are more than 100 years old. The majority of the system is nearing the end of its useful life. As cast iron pipes age, they become brittle and are more prone to break from changes in temperature, pressure fluctuations, or vibrations.” The city is investing in water infrastructure upgrades through 2034 in hopes of ameliorating the impact the old infrastructure has on Hoboken residents.
