3.6K Berkeley Homes, Businesses Remain Under Boil Water Advisory

BERKELEY, NJ — The Municipal Utilities Authority is providing gallons of water to Berkeley residents under a boil water advisory that was issued Monday after E. coli bacteria was detected in the agency's water supply.

About 3,650 businesses and homes serviced by the BTMUA are under the boil water advisory, according to the agency's executive director, Michele Nugent. The advisory does not apply to residents who are serviced by Suez, Aqua, Shore Water or New Jersey American Water.

Families who are serviced by the BTMUA can pick up six gallons of water at H&M Potter School on Thursday and Friday from 1 to 8 p.m. Residents must bring identification.

Water distribution will extend beyond Friday if the advisory continues. Families can return to pick up water as needed, Nugent said.

The BTMUA is still assessing their system to determine what caused a water sample to test positive for E. coli on July 14. Three follow-up samples tested negative for E. coli on July 16, officials said.

Escherichia coli can be found in the environment, some foods and the intestines of people and animals, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Some strains of E. coli can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, pneumonia and severe infections, the CDC says.

The contamination could have been caused by heavy rains that carried bacteria into the drinking source, a break in the distribution system or a failure in the water treatment process, officials said.

The BTMUA is flushing its distribution system, and collecting follow-up samples from its storage tanks and water treatment plant.

In a letter released Monday, the BTMUA said, "We anticipate resolving the problem within 30 days."

The 30-day timeline was issued according to guidance from the state Department of Environmental Protection, Nugent said. An updated date of when water would be safe to use was not known as of Wednesday.

The boil water advisory will remain in effect until testing shows that water quality is safe, BTMUA officials said.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, food preparation and for pets until further notice.

Residents should bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow the tap water to cool before using. This kills bacteria and other organisms in the water, officials said.

Residents will be notified by the BTMUA when the advisory is lifted. The agency is urging residents to sign up for Nixle alerts online or by texting 08721 to 888777 so they can receive updates about the boil water advisory..

“The fastest way that I would recommend is to get on the Nixle system because that’s a mass notification from the township,” Nugent said.

The BTMUA is holding their monthly public meeting on Thursday, July 22 at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Township Elementary School.

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