On the morning of Tuesday, September 9, 2025, a sinkhole appeared at the intersection of Newark Avenue and Garden Street, damaging a 12-inch water main shortly after 10:30 a.m. Crews from Veolia Water New Jersey began emergency repairs soon afterward. By 11:10 a.m., the sinkhole itself was visible at the site, and a city alert went out urging residents to avoid the area.
Later in the day, around 2:30 p.m., a second break occurred on 9th Street between Garden and Bloomfield Streets, this time involving an 8-inch water main. Both incidents led to pressure in the system dropping below safe levels, triggering a precautionary citywide boil water advisory.
- A sinkhole at Newark & Garden led to a 12-inch main break around 10:30 a.m.; a second 8-inch main broke around 2:30 p.m. on 9th Street between Garden and Bloomfield.
- Hoboken is under a boil water advisory until further notice; boil for at least one minute before drinking or other listed uses, but showering and washing clothes do not require boiled water.
- Water is being handed out from 3 p.m. at the Multi-Service Center (124 Grand St.), Monroe Gardens (221 Jackson St.), and Fox Hill Gardens (311 13th St.).
Reasons For The Advisory And Safety Guidance
The loss of pressure in Hoboken’s distribution system raised concerns about possible contamination, which led the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to require the advisory just after 12:42 p.m. Veolia Water explained that low pressure increases the chance of harmful microbes entering the water supply.
Because of this risk, residents and businesses were told to boil water for at least one minute before using it for tasks such as drinking, cooking, baking, washing dishes, brushing teeth, taking medication, preparing baby formula, making ice, mixing drinks, or feeding pets. Activities like showering or doing laundry do not require boiled water.
Veolia is continuing to collect samples, monitor the system, and will work with the NJDEP to notify the public once testing confirms the supply is safe.
Traffic Closures And Ongoing Repair Work
The two breaks forced the closure of several roadways. The affected areas included Newark and Garden Streets, 9th Street between Garden and Bloomfield Streets, Garden Street from Observer Highway to First Street, Newark Street from Garden to Bloomfield, and Newark Street from Bloomfield to Park Avenue.
The Hudson County government advised that repairs would take much of the evening, with completion expected between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Crews remained on site throughout the day, conducting emergency work on both mains.
Distribution Sites And Resident Support
To assist residents during the disruption, the Hoboken Office of Emergency Management began handing out bottled water starting at 3 p.m. Three locations were set up for this purpose:
- Multi-Service Center, 124 Grand Street
- Monroe Gardens, 221 Jackson Street
- Fox Hill Gardens, 311 13th Street
Officials said that supplies at these sites were limited but available to those in need while repairs continued.
