Discolored Middlesex Tap Water Is Safe To Use, Drink: Officials

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Middlesex County residents shouldn't worry if they notice the water coming from their faucets is discolored, Middlesex Water Company says.

Discolored water is normal and will continue while the water company works to replace chlorine, its primary disinfectant, with ozone, the company said in a news release.

“Occasional temporary discoloration of water in certain areas of the more than 740 miles of water piping in our distribution system is not necessarily uncommon and is an aesthetic issue, not a health concern,” Robert K. Fullagar, Middlesex Water Vice President of Operations, said in a statement.

Throughout the process, the water will be tested to ensure it remains safe to drink, according to the release.

Ozone treatment helps ensure water stays compliant with regulations and helps limit by-products caused by chlorine, water officials said.

“With our new ozone plant nearing completion, we are eager to begin fully transitioning to ozone, but not at the cost of our customers receiving discolored water,” Fullagar said. “We are taking a prudent approach to the discoloration concern and have temporarily suspended the transition to ozone and temporarily reverted back to chorine disinfection while we fine-tune our processes. We believe it could take a few more days for the water clarity to fully return to normal in all parts of our water distribution system."

Customers who experience discolored water should let their faucet run for 2 to 3 minutes or until discoloration subsides. If a brief flush does not clear up water, customers should shut off their water and wait an hour before trying again.

Discolored water is safe to use and drink, but it could stain clothes, according to the release. Customers who notice discolored water should avoid doing laundry.