Water Restored on Barrier Island, But Localized Issues Expected

New Jersey American Water officials said this week they were able to shut off water service to 6,125 customers before repressurizing its system in several barrier island communities.

The remaining nearly 2,800 valves and meters are still buried under sand and other storm-related debris, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

NJAW urged its customers to clear debris away from water valves following Superstorm Sandy so water service could be physically turned off at the street before the entire system was repressurized. This would prevent damaged pipes from bursting and potentially flooding properties, a spokesman said at the time.

"As we are contacted by customers, and coordinating with municipal leaders, we are turning some water services back on," the statement said. "So far, more than 200 accounts have been turned back on. We have five or more crews working continuously on the island, and are bringing in workers from around the state to ensure customers can get their water service turned back on when they need it."

The company estimates there are probably about 1,000 meter pits and hundreds of service lines – which run from the water main in the street to the meter pit – that have to be replaced.

Customers can call NJAW's customer service department at 1-800-652-6987 to inquire whether or not their service is available for turn on, and schedule it, if available.

With the exception of Lavallette, barrier island communities receive their water from NJAW, a private company, rather than municipal authorities due to the company's long-term lease on the mains there.

Municipalities handle sewerage service, however.

Meanwhile, in Brick:

New Jersey Natural Gas said work to restore service to the following streets will begin on Friday on the bayside only: 6th Ave., 7th Ave., Ellison Drive, Normandy Drive, Lake Court.