Water Advisory No Longer in Effect in Aberdeen

The is no longer in effect in Aberdeen Township, according to Director of Public Works Robert Brady.

"We are pleased to report that subsequent water quality testing shows the water quality to be safe," Brady said.

Monday night residents of Old Bridge and the Cliffwood and Cliffwood Beach sections of Aberdeen were told to boil water for one minute prior to drinking, brushing teeth, or washing dishes after fecal coliform bacteria was found in a water supply.

The bacteria was discovered during routine testing in a water sample taken June 15. Residents were notified of the bacteria on Monday, June 18. Brady explained that the delay is due to a 24 hour turnaround time for water testing, followed by additional testing when water tests positive for certain bacteria.

The advisory was lifted in Old Bridge on Wednesday, June 20 when the water supply tested negative for the fecal coliform bacteria. According to Brady, Aberdeen had to wait for their own test results to come back negative for the bacteria before the Department of Environmental Protection would allow them to lift the advisory.

Fecal coliform bacteria can cause illness and can cause particular concern for people with weakened immune systems. Bacterial contamination can occure when increased run-off enteres the drinking water source, due to a break in the distribution system, or a failure in the water treatment process, according to a public notice issued Monday.

Brady said anyone with questions or comments can call his office at 732-583-4200 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.