October 16 message from NJ American Water:
Yesterday, some customers in Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Manville, Hillsborough, Somerville, Raritan Borough, Dunellen, Piscataway, and Plainfield may have noticed water with a pinkish hue. This was due to elevated levels of sodium permanganate, an approved water treatment chemical, at the Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant. Importantly, the water remained safe to drink and met all state and federal standards throughout this event. The discoloration was purely cosmetic and did not affect water quality.
As soon as the pink water issue was identified, we proactively notified customers and initiated hydrant flushing operations to clear the system. Most customers did not experience any issues, and only a few isolated cases of discoloration were reported. By yesterday afternoon, flushing operations were completed and the issue had been resolved.
If any residents still notice discolored water, we recommend running cold water taps at the lowest level of the home for three to five minutes until the water runs clear and avoiding laundry to prevent staining. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we worked to resolve this quickly and safely.
New Jersey American Water (NJAW) is aware of reports of discolored water in the Raritan System. This is due to higher levels of sodium permanganate, an additive used in water treatment, at the Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant. As a result, some customers in the Bridgewater area may notice a slight pink tint in their water.
Please note: The water is safe to drink and meets all drinking water standards. However, you may want to avoid doing laundry until the discoloration clears, as it could temporarily affect clothing.
To help resolve the issue, NJAW will be flushing fire hydrants throughout the system. This may cause temporary low water pressure or additional discoloration for some customers.
If your water is discolored:
- Run cold water only from the lowest faucet in your home (such as in a basement)
- Let it run for 3 to 5 minutes or until the water runs clear
Questions
For more information, please contact NJ American Water.