Water Main Construction In Freehold Boro May Discolor Tap Water

FREEHOLD BOROUGH, NJ - While Freehold Borough residents may experience discolored tap water this week due to water main construction, officials are reassuring that the change is “harmless.”

Borough officials issued a notice to residents via social media on Wednesday announcing construction on the municipality’s water main system Feb. 25. The work includes shutting down a section of the area’s water main, which “may result in water pressure fluctuation and possible temporary discoloration of water supply to your property,” according to the statement. “The discoloration is caused by turbulence within the distribution system that could possibly stir up sediments and minerals.”

Residents may choose to set aside a pitcher or jug of water for consumption this evening and observe the status of water prior to doing laundry, the statement continues. “If you allow your water to run for a few minutes, the discoloration should subside.

It was not immediately clear when construction is set to end.

The notice comes weeks after water authority New Jersey American Water released its own announcement regarding maintenance.

Between February and April, some New Jersey American Water customers may temporarily notice a "slight taste and smell of chlorine" in tap water due to a treatment switch from a chloramine (combination) residual to free chlorine residual at the utility's Swimming River Water Treatment Plant in Colts Neck and Jumping Brook Water Treatment Plant in Neptune. Read more: Monmouth Co. Tap Water May Taste Different This Month. Here's Why