New Jersey water crisis as customers report brown water and foul smells

In Central New Jersey, residents using the Raritan water system have reported experiencing unusual taste and odor in their tap water. This issue reportedly began in the middle of last week, affecting numerous towns across Union, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. Various individuals have described their water as discolored, coming out brown, which has resulted in a peak demand for bottled water among locals, particularly during the holiday season. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection found that a leak from a local repackaging facility may be responsible for the contamination, as fragrances and flavorings leaked into a tributary of the Raritan River. In response to safety concerns, New Jersey American Water has assured customers that their water meets both state and federal drinking water standards. They have advised residents experiencing discolored water to run their cold taps at the lowest level for about three to five minutes until the water runs clear. However, the unusual odors are expected to persist for several days. Schools have taken precautionary measures, such as shutting off water fountains and providing bottled water to students in need. Meanwhile, some residents remain skeptical about the safety of their tap water, expressing discomfort with consuming it under these conditions. They have voiced concerns regarding the efficiency and transparency of communication between state authorities and the public. As the investigation continues, residents are left wondering how long such issues might last and if the water supply will be fully restored to its usual quality. The water utility company is actively monitoring water quality, conducting sampling, and performing targeted flushing throughout the system to address the problem.