Freehold Flushes Water System After Discoloration Reported

FREEHOLD, NJ — The Freehold Borough Water Department said it flushed the system on Wednesday, working to address reports of discolored water from around the town, according to a statement from the borough.

The town reported that borough engineers determined the likely cause of the discoloration first reported earlier this week was naturally occurring sediments and minerals within the distribution system that have been "stirred up due to pressure fluctuations and turbulence within the system."

The sediments and minerals are the product of cast iron pipes and naturally occurring mineral buildup within the distribution system which will be reduced once the flushing is completed, the town said in a Facebook post.

The town said the situation may be the result of the way the new pumps and equipment interact with an aging distribution system.

Under the direction of the borough water engineer, the borough says it "has made modifications to reduce pressure fluctuation and spikes within the system, decreasing turbulence and discoloration."

The borough asks that if you are experiencing discolored water to report your name and location to the Freehold Water Department at 732 462-3502. This information will be used to determine those areas affected by this issue and help to pinpoint the cause.