Aging Infrastructure Challenges Highlighted by Edison Water Main Break

A water main break between M Lane and Woodbridge Avenue has left Edison residents grappling with widespread water service disruptions. This incident has further underscored the critical issue of aging water infrastructure, which continues to challenge communities nationwide.

Scope of the Current Break

Edison Water Utility has notified residents that customers throughout the service area are experiencing either no water or significantly reduced pressure. Compounding the disruption, a potential threat to water quality has been identified, prompting the utility to issue a Boil Water Advisory for all affected customers.

Edison Mayor Sam Joshi addressed the issue, stating, "We will get through it." He acknowledged the challenges posed by environmental conditions, adding, "The freezing conditions pose one of the biggest obstacles for repairs."

Boil Water Advisory Instructions

To ensure public safety, Edison Water Utility has provided the following guidance:

• Boiling Water: Tap water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute and cooled before use.
• Usage Recommendations: Boiled or bottled water should be used for:
  • Drinking and cooking
  • Preparing baby formula, food, juices, or drinks
  • Brushing teeth and washing dishes
  • Washing fruits and vegetables
  • Making ice
• Additional Measures:
  • Dispose of uncooked food or beverages prepared with tap water before the advisory.
  • Store boiled water in the refrigerator for drinking.
  • Avoid swallowing water while bathing or showering.
  • Rinse hand-washed dishes with a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) or use a dishwasher’s hot wash cycle.
  • Use boiled water to treat minor injuries and provide boiled (and cooled) water to pets.
  • Do not rely on home filtering devices, as they may not adequately remove microorganisms.

Residents are advised to follow these precautions until further notice. The advisory will remain in effect until repairs are completed and testing confirms water safety.

Infrastructure at a Breaking Point

The recent water main break highlights the vulnerabilities in Edison’s aging water system, a challenge mirrored in many U.S. communities. Decades-old pipes, often constructed with outdated materials like cast iron, are increasingly prone to failure under modern demands. Environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and pressure shifts exacerbate these weaknesses, leading to events like the current disruption.

Barbara McMahon, a resident affected by a previous break on Woodbrook Drive, described the dramatic scene: "I came out of the house, I thought it was a fire with the water spreading over the roof of the house." Reflecting on the damage, she noted, "When I walked this way, there was a hole in the ground and the water was shooting directly at the top window."

• Frequent Breaks: Similar incidents in Edison, including previous breaks on Woodbrook Drive and Oak Tree Road, illustrate the recurring nature of the problem.
• Pipe Size and Demand: The affected 20-inch water main is critical for serving a densely populated area, but its age and the growing demand place undue stress on the system.
• Safety and Quality Risks: Beyond service interruptions, aging infrastructure can lead to water quality issues, with risks of contamination from sediment or pipe corrosion.

Addressing the Problem

To tackle these challenges, investment in modernizing water infrastructure is imperative. Strategies include:

• Federal and State Funding: Grants and initiatives like those provided under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law can support large-scale upgrades.
• Proactive Monitoring and Repairs: Advanced detection systems can identify weak points before they lead to failures, enabling targeted repairs.
• Community Engagement: Transparent communication about infrastructure needs and repair timelines fosters public understanding and support for necessary upgrades.

Urgency in Addressing the Infrastructure

Edison’s ongoing struggles with water main breaks underscore the urgency of addressing aging infrastructure. Proactive investment and modernization efforts are essential to ensure reliable service, safeguard public health, and support community growth. 

Despite the challenges, Mayor Joshi’s outlook remains optimistic: “The good thing is that no one was hurt." Resident Gobi Penugonda added, “It's an accident, so we have to be understanding. Fortunately, all the departments acted promptly.”

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through Edison Water Utility’s updates and adhere to safety advisories until regular service is restored.