New Jersey American Water (NJAW) has informed customers that the odor and taste changes from its Raritan system are not a public health risk, according to the water utility in a statement on Dec. 22.
“There are currently no drinking water advisories in place for customers as the water meets state and federal standards,” NJAW said in its statement. “Since Wednesday, Dec. 18, we’ve tested over 200 compounds across 49 sample sites, from the source to tap.
“We are in consistent contact with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and diligently assisting their investigation to get to the root of the problem and keep our customers informed.”
The company, which supplies 126 million gallons of water a day, says it will continue to assist the ongoing investigation by NJDEP to address the issue, maintain targeted hydrant flushing in areas, and monitor and sample the water quality throughout its system.
NJAW has warned customers that they may continue noticing the odor and taste change for the next several days as the utility works with NJDEP to resolve the issue.
The municipalities that have been impacted by the reported changes in the water includes – Cranbury, Hightstown, Hillsborough, Hopewell Borough (which gets about 40% of its water from NJAW), Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township, Montgomery Township, Princeton, and West Windsor Township.
NJAW sources water from the Millstone River, Raritan River. The system’s water source is also from aquifers – Brunswick, Stockton, Basalt, Passaic, and Glacial Drift.
The water utility stated on Dec. 18 that they were aware of discoloration, odor, and taste changes that had been reported by customers in their Raritan system and surrounding areas and have conducted testing across sample sites throughout their supply, treatment facilities and distribution system.
“If your water is discolored, run the cold water taps only, at the lowest level of the house for about 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear,” they said.
The story will be updated as more information becomes available
