New Jersey American Water will temporarily change the water treatment process from using chloramine to free chlorine as part of an annual maintenance program at its Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant in Bridgewater and its Canal Road Water Treatment Plant in Somerset.
These surface water treatment plants serve New Jersey American Water customers in Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union counties.
“This periodic, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice that allows us to continue to provide safe, high-quality water for our customers,” said Andrea Castro, director of water quality and environmental compliance, New Jersey American Water. “We perform this distribution system maintenance program every year as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining high water quality throughout our distribution system.”
The temporary treatment process will begin the week of Feb. 9 and continue until the end of April. During this period, some customers may notice a slight taste and smell of chlorine in their water. This is normal and will only be temporary until the system maintenance is complete. Customers who wish to reduce the taste of chlorine can place water in an uncovered glass container in the refrigerator overnight to dissipate chlorine faster.
Throughout the maintenance period, New Jersey American Water will continue to monitor water quality in the system to provide water to customers that meets or surpasses federal and state drinking water standards.
The temporary treatment change applies to New Jersey American Water customers in these communities: Irvington, Flemington Borough, Raritan Township, Readington Township and Tewksbury Township.
