Water pressure problems in several New Jersey communities may last through the weekend

ROBBINSVILLE, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Several communities in Mercer County, New Jersey served by Aqua NJ are experiencing major problems with water pressure.

Aqua NJ says customers living in Hamilton, Hamilton Square, Robbinsville, and Chesterfield are impacted.

The company said in a statement that the water is safe to use and drink.

Residents are experiencing "low to non-existent water pressure," Robbinsville Township officials said.

Robbinsville Township Mayor David Fried says a State of Emergency was declared in response to the water well failure.

"Residents telling us they can't flush their toilets, sinks aren't working, we learned about this situation through our residents, not Aqua," said Mayor Fried. "The domino effect has been huge. As we start thinking about some of our largest food facilities in the area, they're shut down, which is going to create some challenges for our restaurants as we move forward."

In a service alert on its website, Aqua NJ said residents may be experiencing lower pressure through Sunday.

Because of the water issues, Sharon Elementary School was forced to close Friday, while Pond Road Middle School and Robbinsville High School were dismissed early.

The Robbinsville area Amazon warehouse facility was also forced to close, according to officials.

Amazon was not the only business impacted by these issues.

The owner of the Bijou Salon in Robbinsville, Claudine DeChiara, says they have had a problem accessing one of their most important needs in the last 48 hours: high-pressure water.

"As a small business owner in New Jersey who was shut down for 14 weeks during the pandemic, having low-water pressure is really not an advantage," said DeChiara.

The salon's specialty is coloring, and to do things right, they need high-pressure water.

The issues the salon is facing now could cost them big in the very near future.

"We do a lot of highlighting and color services, so water is needed to remove the color, and it really needs to be removed when you're working with lightener and things like that," she said.

According to the water company Aqua NJ, crews are working hard to fix the ongoing problem.

But some local officials are still not pleased with the company's handling of the situation.

"We will be passing an ordinance where we can fine the water company for a lack of communication moving forward, and in the future, we have to do a better job," said Mayor Fried.

In addition to this, the mayor says the water issues are impacting fire hydrants in the area.

While the issue is being resolved, residents are asked to conserve water whenever possible. This may mean taking shorter showers, stopping lawn irrigation, and minimizing the use of washers and dishwashers.

Read the full-service alert from Aqua NJ:

Customers living in the Hamilton Distribution area will be experiencing low pressure through Sunday. This includes Hamilton, Hamilton Square, Robbinsville, Allentown, Chesterfield, and Trenton. Aqua NJ has identified the issue causing the low pressure and is currently working on repairs to return the system to normal operations. Aqua NJ contractors are on site and the repair is projected to be completed by Sunday. All residents and businesses are urged to voluntarily conserve water when possible. The water is safe to drink.