New Jersey American Water Implements Temporary Changes to Water Treatment
CAMDEN, N.J. — As part of its regular maintenance program, New Jersey American Water will switch the water treatment method from chloramine to free chlorine at two key facilities. This adjustment will affect the Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant in Bridgewater and the Canal Road Water Treatment Plant in Somerset.
Serving various counties, including Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, and Union, this routine process change is crucial for maintaining high water quality for all customers. Andrea Castro, the Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance at New Jersey American Water, emphasizes the importance of these adjustments. "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," she explained.
The planned temporary treatment alterations will commence in mid-February and are expected to last through April. Customers may notice a brief change in the taste or smell of their water, which is completely normal during this period. For those wanting to reduce the chlorine flavor, simply placing water in an uncovered glass container in the refrigerator overnight can help expedite the dissipation of chlorine.
During this time, the company is committed to monitoring water quality and ensuring that it consistently meets or exceeds both federal and state drinking water standards. This diligence is part of New Jersey American Water's ongoing commitment to provide safe and clean drinking water.
Customers in the following communities will be affected by the temporary treatment change:
Essex County: Irvington
Hunterdon County: Flemington Borough*, Raritan Township, Readington Township, and Tewksbury Township
Mercer County: Hopewell Borough*, Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township*, Princeton Borough, Princeton Junction, Princeton Township, Trenton*, and West Windsor Township
Middlesex County: Cranbury Township, Dunellen Borough, Edison Township, Jamesburg Borough, Middlesex Borough, Monroe Township, North Brunswick*, Piscataway Township, Plainsboro Township, South Brunswick Township, and South Plainfield Borough
Morris County: Chatham Township, Long Hill Township, Mendham Township, and Mendham Borough
Somerset County: Bedminster Township, Bernards Township, Bernardsville Borough, Bound Brook Borough, Branchburg Township, Bridgewater Township, Far Hills Borough, Franklin Township, Green Brook Township, Hillsborough Township, Manville Borough, Millstone Borough, Montgomery Township, North Plainfield Borough, Peapack & Gladstone Borough, Raritan Borough, Rocky Hill*, Somerville Borough, South Bound Brook Borough, Warren Township, and Watchung Borough
Union County: Berkley Heights Township, City of Rahway*, Clark Township, Cranford Township, City of Elizabeth (Liberty)*, Fanwood Borough, Garwood Borough, Hillside Township, Kenilworth Borough, Linden City, Mountainside Borough, New Providence Borough, Plainfield City, Roselle Borough, Roselle Park Borough, Scotch Plains Township, Summit, Union Township, Westfield Township, and Winfield Park Township*
Since the 1970s, New Jersey American Water has utilized chloramines as part of its comprehensive water treatment strategy. The approach ensures the delivery of safe water to customers and supports environmental health.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the state's largest regulated water utility. It provides reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million residents. The company remains committed to maintaining high standards in water quality and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the reason for the temporary treatment change?
The change aims to enhance water quality during routine maintenance practices as part of New Jersey American Water's commitment to safe drinking water.
2. When will the temporary treatment change take place?
The adjustments will start in mid-February and continue until the end of April.
3. Will customers notice changes in their water?
Yes, customers may notice a slight taste and smell of chlorine in their water during this change, which is temporary.
4. How can customers minimize the chlorine taste?
Customers can place water in an uncovered glass container in the refrigerator overnight to help dissipate chlorine faster.
5. Is the water safe during this treatment change?
Yes, New Jersey American Water continuously monitors water quality to ensure it meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water standards.
