Taste, Odor In Princeton Water Not Public Health Risk: NJ American Water

PRINCETON, NJ – NJ American Water said that the taste and odor issues in the water is not a “public health risk.”

Customers in the Raritan System and surrounding areas began reporting odor and taste issues with the water last Wednesday, prompting the water company to send an urgent message.

Since then the water utility company has been running extensive tests which continue to confirm that this is a taste and odor issue and not a public health risk. Targeted hydrant flushing and sampling are ongoing.

“We understand the taste and odor changes in the Raritan system have been concerning to customers, and we want to assure you we’re doing everything we can to address the issue. The health and safety of our customers is a priority. There are currently no drinking water advisories in place for customers as the water meets state and federal standards,” NJ American Water said in a statement.

Since Dec. 18, the utility company has tested over 200 compounds across 49 sample sites, from the source to tap.

“We are in consistent contact with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) and diligently assisting their investigation to get to the root of the problem and keep our customers informed,” NJ American Water said.

“In addition to assisting the NJ DEP investigation, we are running extensive tests which continue to confirm that this is a taste and odor issue and not a public health risk.”

Customers may continue to notice an odor over the next several days. NJ American Water will keep working with the NJ DEP until the matter is resolved.

"Despite continuing taste and odor concerns, we have not found any exceedance of our state or federal drinking water quality standards,” NJ DEP commissioner Shawn LaTourette said.

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