Information Regarding Brown Discolored Water

Is yellow water pouring from your faucet? You're not alone. The discoloration stems from efforts to deal with a large algae bloom in the reservoir. The Township of Maplewood has posted this information on its website on August 13, 2010:

The Maplewood public water supply is provided by the NJ American Water Company. This is a large water utility company that provides water supply service in many parts of New Jersey.

Information provided by the water quality staff at NJ American Water Company to the Maplewood Health Department as reason for the discolored water is as follows:  About a week ago, there was a large algae bloom in the reservoir water. This water reservoir is located on JFK Parkway in Millburn across from the Short Hills Mall.  Added alum was added to the water treatment in response to remove algae and odors and bad taste from the algae bloom. The added alum had the effect of reducing the pH (increasing acidity) of the water. The normal pH is about 7.  This increased acid concentration had the effect of corroding iron from old cast iron water mains. This iron is the cause of the brown colored water.

Most importantly, this water is safe to drink. While there may be a problem with washing white clothes in this water, there is no human health hazard.

Normally when there is discolored water, the solution is to run the water for a few minutes until it runs clear.  However, this is not a normal situation. 

The NJ American Water Company has advised that they are taking steps to correct this problem as soon as possible. The local water supply is not just from the reservoir, and there are interconnections to well and river water supply sources that are also in use. For further information contact the NJ American Water Company or the Maplewood Health Department. You can reach the Health Officer at 973-762-8120 x4400 or healthofficer@twp.maplewood.nj.us.

You can contact NJ American Water Company at:

• 1-800-652-6987 (1-800-NJ AM WTR): For customers whose accounts begin with 18 
• 1-800-272-1325: For customers whose accounts begin 52, 53, 54, 55
• E-mail: infonj@amwater.com