A private contractor damaged a water main on Laurel Avenue in Livingston on Wednesday, Sept. 30, triggering emergency repairs.

The Township of Livingston posted an alert warning of possible water interruptions, discolored water and traffic delays for nearby residents. Patch first reported the incident, citing the township's announcement. The contractor responsible has not been publicly identified.

No estimated completion time for the Laurel Avenue repair has been announced. More than 60 percent of Livingston's water mains are 50 years or older, according to the township's water main information page, and repairs on major mains can stretch well beyond several hours.

Laurel Avenue was also the site of scheduled road and utility work the night of Sept. 21, between Brown Court and Route 280.

If your water looks discolored

The township advises residents to run the cold water tap for 30 to 60 minutes to flush the pipes. Start at the lowest level of the home and work upward. Do not run hot water until the cold runs clear. Drawing discolored water into a hot water heater can cause long-term damage to the system, according to the township's guidance page.

How to report concerns

Residents can call the Livingston Water Department at 973-535-7951 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. After hours, call the Livingston Police Department at 973-992-3000. The township also posts updates on its website, Facebook and X, and through the Rave Alert/Smart911 system.