Temporary water treatment change planned for parts of Hunterdon, Morris and Somerset counties

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey American Water is planning a temporary change to its water treatment process that will affect customers in parts of Hunterdon, Morris and Somerset counties beginning in February.

As part of its annual distribution system maintenance program, the utility will temporarily switch from using chloramine to free chlorine at its Raritan-Millstone Water Treatment Plant in Bridgewater and its Canal Road Water Treatment Plant in Somerset. The surface water facilities serve customers across several central and northern New Jersey counties, including Hunterdon, Morris and Somerset.

“This periodic, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice that allows us to continue to provide safe, high-quality water for our customers,” said Andrea Castro, Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance, New Jersey American Water. “We perform this distribution system maintenance program every year as part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining high water quality throughout our distribution system.”

The temporary treatment change is scheduled to begin the week of Feb. 9, 2026, and will continue through the end of April 2026. During that time, some customers may notice a slight chlorine taste or smell in their water, which the company said is normal and temporary.

Customers who wish to reduce the taste or odor of chlorine may place water in an uncovered container in the refrigerator overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate more quickly.

New Jersey American Water said it will continue to monitor water quality throughout the maintenance period to ensure water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards.

• In Hunterdon County, the treatment change affects customers in Flemington Borough, Raritan Township, Readington Township and Tewksbury Township.
• In Morris County, affected communities include Chatham Township, Long Hill Township, Mendham Township and Mendham Borough.
• In Somerset County, customers in municipalities including Bedminster, Bernards, Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Montgomery, Somerville, Warren and Watchung will be impacted, among others.

New Jersey American Water has used chloramines in its treatment process since the 1970s. Additional information is available in the Water Quality section of the company’s website.