Morristown Moves To Address Salty Taste Of Drinking Water

MORRISTOWN, NJ — In an effort to improve water quality and combat the salty taste of water from the tap, Morristown is implementing new environmental regulations for the proper storage of salt and other de-icing materials.

The ordinance was passed at the Town Council's March 11 meeting.

The new requirements include:

• De-icing materials must be stored on a flat, impervious surface to prevent runoff, and covered with a waterproof, flexible cover to prevent exposure to rain and wind.
• Loose materials should be stored at least 50 feet from surface waters or stormwater conveyance channels.
• Storage containers must be sealed when not in use, and no de-icing materials should be stored between April 16 and October 14.

In February, New Jersey American Water issued a warning to Garden State residents that their water may have a salty taste. This was due to the salt and brine used to combat the winter weather and drought conditions.

"Each winter, local road departments, commercial parking lot owners, and homeowners use salt to melt snow and ice and to maintain roads and other surfaces for safe traction, said NJ American Water.

"As snow and ice melt, this salt can wash into nearby waterways, some of which serve as drinking water sources," NJ American Water added.

The new ordinance indicates that property owners should designate someone to maintain the storage areas designated for the de-icing materials and to document weekly inspections of the storage site.

Further, residents who run businesses from their homes and use salt or other de-icing materials for their driveways and walking paths must also perform weekly inspections, and document the results.

The ordinance will not only improve environmental standards in the community but also works to prevent the contamination of storm water, protecting the quality of local water, according to the Town.