State links Raritan River water taste, odor issues to chemical leak, says no public health threat

By Alvin Wu
Domestic Affairs
State links Raritan River water taste, odor issues to chemical leak, says no public health threat

New Jersey American Water customer advisory map showing areas affected by a change in taste and odor of Raritan River water. NJAW/Handout

EDISON, N.J., Dec. 26 (ZFJ) — The state has linked a change in the taste and odor of water supplied from the Raritan River to a leak from a facility that packages fragrances and flavoring. Authorities say that there is no public health threat.

On Monday, Dec. 23, New Jersey American Water (NJAW) announced that initial investigation results from the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) found that the water issues were caused by a Dec. 16 leak from a repackaging facility in Branchburg, N.J., that handled fragrances, essential oils, and flavorings.

The spill, which entered a tributary of the Raritan River, consisted of compounds, mainly alpha-pinene, commonly used as fragrances and food additives.

The extreme fragrance of the spill’s compounds means that they can be smelled at minute concentrations measured in parts per trillion (ppt). One ppt is equivalent to four drops of liquid in the amount of water that would fully fill Rutgers University’s SHI Stadium for football.

NJAW noted that, although detection levels of the compound are infinitesimal, the taste and odor changes may persist for several more days. As of press time, the water company lists a predicted event end date of Jan. 3, 2025, on its customer advisory map.

NJAW and DEP have stressed that there is no public health risk as the water continues to meet state and federal drinking water quality standards. No drinking water advisories are in place.

NJAW first received reports of a change in taste and odor in Raritan River water on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The company mounted an investigation by taking water samples from the source water, different points throughout their water treatment plant system, and sites throughout the distribution system. It also adjusted its treatment processes and flushed hydrants across the system.

The company and DEP will continue to monitor water quality and provide updates to customers through its customer notification system. NJAW has created a website for the issue, which also has a form for customer inquiries.

Customers who experience discolored water as a result of hydrant flushing are advised to run only their cold water taps for three to five minutes at the lowest level of the house until the water becomes clear.

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