Sussex suffers more water issues

SUSSEX BOROUGH — Sussex Borough had another water service break from Feb. 11-14. The repair was finally made at midnight on Feb. 14.

At 11:15 p.m. on Feb. 11th, Hardyston Department of Public Works Supervisor notified the borough of a water leak on Bank Street. Schultz looked for a contractor to fix the leak on that evening, but no contractor was willing to work on Route 23.

On Feb. 12 at 7:30 a.m., Sussex Borough water system operator mike Furrey asked a contractor to make the repairs because it was an emergency.

The problem was caused by a rusted clamp for water service to the Methodist Church. Furrey said the contractor could not fix the line because the water pressure was too high.

The pressure reducting valve was shut down on Feb. 13, isolating the Sussex tank. During that time the borough received between 40 and 50 phone calls because of reduced water pressure, causing the repair to be postponed.

The water pressure was reduced at about midnight on Feb. 14. At about 4 a.m., a new saddle was replaced on the 12-inch main. The water system started to recharge by 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 14.