Water main break near Journal Square

A break in an 8-inch water main sent hundreds of gallons per minute bubbling up from a street near Journal Square in Jersey City last night and United Water workers shut down service to about 75 customers at 7:15 p.m., officials said.

The break was at Van Reipen Avenue near Homestead Place just after 6:10 p.m. and water bubbled up from a hole in the street about 2 feet from the curb, Fire Department spokesman Andrew Johnson said last night.

United Water spokesman Joseph Macula said workers hoped to have the repairs done before midnight. He said 75 customers, mostly in three apartment buildings, as well as three fire hydrants, were expected to be without water while repairs were being made.