Matawan Water Safe to Drink, Contains Above Standard Levels of Contaminate

The Matawan Borough water system was recently found to have levels of trihalomethanes (TTHM) above drinking water standards, according to a letter sent to residents by the borough on Aug. 7.

The letter explains that TTHM are four volatile organic chemicals which form when disinfectants react with natural organic matter in the water. This is not considered an emergency. According to the letter, if it were an emergency, residents would have received notification within 24 hours.

The standard for TTHM in drinking water is 80 parts-per-billion over a 12 month average. The 12 month average this quarter was found to be 85 parts-per-billion, the letter explains.

It is not necessary to boil your water or take other corrective actions. John Applegate, Matawan public works director, that if a resident is concerned, they can leave water in an open container for two hours and the TTHM will dissipate.

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at an increased risk and should seek advice from your heath care provider about drinking this water.

The letter also explains that New Jersey American Water has changed its disinfection process from chlorine to chloramines, which will lower the concentration of TTHMs. The borough has also begun improvements to the Ryers Lane storage tank, which includes cleaning, painting, and installing a mixing device that will constantly circulate the water being held in storage. Keeping the water circulating will help reduce water age and the potential for TTHM.

The department of public works will also continue to flush the system.

For more information you may contact John Applegate at (732) 290-2015 or via email at john.applegate@matawanborough.com.

To read the letter sent to residents in full, please see below the photo attached to this article.