by David Danzis, originally posted on November 30, 2016

NEWTON — The boil water advisory for the town that was issued after last week’s water main break was lifted at 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Joe Carr, assistant supervisor for the Newton Water and Sewer Utility, said a total coliform test of water samples taken from six separate locations on the town’s water system was conducted. The samples were sent to Garden State Labs in Sparta for testing.

Carr also performed chlorine residual tests, which are time sensitive, on samples.

“Everything is in good shape,” Carr said Tuesday afternoon. “We’re thankful that’s behind us.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends flushing water pipes by running the water until it is clear after a boil water advisory. A chlorine smell may emanate from taps and faucets after a boil water advisory because oftentimes the chemical is used at increased levels to disinfect pipes.

The CDC also suggests running cold water from faucets that are the farthest upstairs in a home or business and then opening the faucets one at a time moving from the highest floor to the lowest.

Appliances, such as water softeners, filter units and refrigerator water dispensers/ice makers, also need to be cleaned.

The boil water advisory was issued on Thanksgiving after a 16-inch water main break under Sparta Avenue in the early morning. Employees from the Department of Public Works and Newton Water and Sewer Utility spent more than 12 hours repairing an 18-foot section and the road during the holiday.

A second water main break occurred on Monday on Lake Avenue at about 7 p.m. The main break also caused a valve to break on Newton-Swartswood Road. Roughly 100 homes in the area lost water pressure as a result. Those repairs were completed Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Carr said Monday’s breaks would have no impact on the water quality going forward.

Mayor Sandra Diglio said she was thankful to the hardworking employees in town who have had a rough few days.

“Thank you to the residents for their understanding,” Diglio said Tuesday. “Thank you to those residents who were kind enough to bring refreshments to the gentlemen working on Thanksgiving. It was very much deeply appreciated.”