Annual Water Maintenance May Impact Monmouth County Residents: NJ American Water

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Residents may experience a slight taste or smell of chlorine in their water starting in mid-February due to NJ American Water's annual, routine maintenance program, officials said.

As part of their maintenance, NJ American Water will be temporarily changing the water treatment process at its Swimming River Water Treatment Plant in Colts Neck and its Jumping Brook Water Treatment Plant in Neptune.

The maintenance is scheduled to take place the week of Feb. 17 through mid-April and will consist of temporarily shifting from using chloramine to free chlorine.

The routine, annual change in treatment helps ensure the continued safety and reliability of water quality throughout the distribution system, officials said.

During this period, some customers may notice a slight taste and smell of chlorine in the water. According to NJ American Water officials, this is normal and will only be temporary until the system maintenance is complete.

If customers experience this change, the company suggests placing water in an uncovered pitcher in the refrigerator overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate.

“Throughout the maintenance process, 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,” officials said.

The temporary treatment change applies to NJ American Water customers served by its Swimming River and Jumping Brook water treatment plants in various communities throughout Monmouth County.

To see a full list of communities that may be affected, you can click here.