Water customers may notice discolored water coming from the tap or may notice a change in taste to their water over the next few weeks, according to a statement issued from Newark's water and sewer utility.
The utility’s customers include residents of Bloomfield, Nutley and Belleville as well as Newark.
The utility, which recently conducted repairs to the system, will begin to refill its reservoir in Cedar Grove on Thursday. On April 6, water from the reservoir will again flow through the system’s pipes, potentially resulting in discolored water as well as fluctuations in pressure. The discoloration could be caused by sediments being loosened during the refilling procedure.
Any discoloration of water does not make the water unsafe, but care should be taken when washing clothes, according to the utillity's statement.
Officials expect any changes to be temporary, lasting only a few days.
Residents with discolored water are advised to run the tap or shower until the water runs clear. Those with questions, or who experience any problem with water supply, or if the water quality does not improve after running the water, are also advised to call the Division of Water Supply at (973) 733-3654.
Newark is working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to establish a monitoring program during this time to ensure the quality of residents’ water, according to the statement..
While the Cedar Grove Reservoir outlet conduits were being inspected and repaired, the Passaic Valley Water Commission’s Great Notch Reservoir in Woodland Park was tapped to supply the city and water commission with enough water and demand storage for the respective water systems.
The Newark-Pequannock Watershed is a 35,000-acre natural resource owned by the City of Newark and partly consists of reservoirs and streams.
For more information about all City of Newark programs, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at(973) 733-4311.
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