Cranbury Water May Temporarily Taste, Smell of Chlorine

Cranbury residents may notice the smell or taste of chlorine in the water as New Jersey American Water temporarily changes their water treatment process, according to a news release.

“New Jersey American Water will continuously monitor water quality to ensure that it meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water standards,” the release said, noting the change in water is normal, safe to drink and temporary.

The annual pipeline maintenance began Feb. 1 changing the process from a chloramine (a combination of ammonia and chlorine) to free chlorine, the release said.

According to American Water, customers can remove the taste of chlorine by:

• Place water in a glass container in the refrigerator overnight uncovered. This will allow the chlorine to dissipate at a faster pace.
• Bring your water to a rolling boil for five minutes and allow the water to cool. This should reduce the chlorine taste and smell in the water.
• Add a lemon slice or a few drops of lemon juice to a glass of drinking water.

In addition to Cranbury, the change affects customers in Bedminster, Belle Meade, Bound Brook, Branchburg, Bridgewater, Chester, Clark, Cranford, Dunellen, Elizabeth, Edison, Fanwood, Flemington, Franklin, Garwood, Green Brook, Hillside, Hillsborough, Jamesburg, Kenilworth, Kingston, Lawrence, Linden, Manville, Martinsville, Middlesex, Millstone, Montgomery, Mountainside, North Plainfield, Peapak/Gladstone, Piscataway, Plainfield, Plainsboro, Pottersville, Princeton, Raritan, Roselle, Roselle Park, Readington, Scotch Plains, Somerville, South Bound Brook, South Brunswick, South Plainfield, Tewksbury, Union and Westfield.