CAMDEN, N.J. – Customers served by New Jersey American Water’s Raritan System have reported unusual changes in the taste and odor of their drinking water following a chemical leak from a repackaging facility in Branchburg, N.J. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) confirmed the Dec. 16 leak, which involved alpha-pinene, a compound used in fragrances and flavorings, entering a tributary of the Raritan River.
In a press release issued Monday, New Jersey American Water reassured residents that despite the taste and odor issues, the water remains safe to drink. Testing conducted by the company and the NJ DEP has shown that water from the system’s two treatment plants meets state and federal drinking water standards.
“Providing safe drinking water to our customers is our foremost priority,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “Our teams have worked tirelessly since Dec. 17, collecting hundreds of water quality samples around the clock to address the changes in taste and odor.”
To mitigate the issue, the company has adjusted its treatment processes and performed targeted hydrant flushing throughout the distribution system.
Despite these measures, customers may continue to notice lingering odors due to the compound’s potency, which is detectable even at parts per trillion levels.
The NJ DEP and New Jersey American Water are collaborating closely to monitor water quality and will provide ongoing updates. Customers can find more information or submit inquiries via a dedicated webpage at njamwaterwaterquality.com.
