Lawrence Residents May Notice Change in Taste, Smell of Water as Utility Resumes Normal Treatment Process
The change by New Jersey American Water should result in the abatement of the taste and smell of chlorine that resulted from the maintenance work the company has been performing at its water treatment plants.
Beginning today (Monday, May 2), some Lawrence Township residents who are served by New Jersey American Water may notice a slight change in the taste and odor of their tap water.
The change is the result of the water utility company returning to the use of chloramine (a mixture of chlorine and ammonia) to treat water at its Canal Road and Raritan Millstone water treatment plants, which serve customers in parts of Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Union counties.
In February, as part of the company’s annual system maintenance program, New Jersey American Water temporarily changed its treatment process from chloramine to chlorine. The two-month changeover to chorine allowed for maintenance work to be performed on chemical feed systems.
“During the water treatment transition, some customers noticed changes to the taste and odor of their water. When the chloramine treatment resumes, the taste and smell of chlorine should abate. Specifically, the treatment process should improve taste and odor for customers,” the company said in a news release.
Residents of Lawrence Township who are served by Trenton Water Works will notice no change.
