Discoloration of Hoboken Water Was Caused by Chemical Element Manganese

Last week's yellow-brown water that came out of many Hoboken faucets was caused by manganese, a chemical element that can become apparent when the reservoir's levels are low, said United Water Spokesman Steve Goudsmith in a recent email. 

The water was still safe to drink and use, United Water announced last week.

Additional treatment was applied, Goudsmith said, to "rectify the situation."

The taste and odor issues were caused by algae in the water, Goudsmith said. "These are naturally occurring events," according to Goudsmith.

The Boonton Reservoir, which serves the area, is more than six and a half feet below capacity due to low rainfall over the last month or so.

Is your water back to normal? If not, let us know.