Following numerous complaints to New Jersey American Water (NJAW) about the taste and odor of tap water, in areas including Hopewell Township, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued a Notice of Violation to a company that is located within the Raritan River watershed and has experienced a spill. (NOTE: These recent odor and taste issues are unrelated to revelations about trouble with Trenton Water Works data collection, which Hopewell Township has also faced recently.)
NJDEP STATEMENT
An NJDEP statement regarding the odor and taste problems with tap water reads: “Based on the water quality monitoring of the source water at the treatment facility and throughout the distribution system, and an investigation of potential sources in the watershed, the NJDEP and NJAW have identified what we believe to be the source that contributed the taste and odor issues.”
The agency issued the violation for an “unpermitted discharge” to M&U International, a company that repackages fragrances, essential oils, and flavorings at a facility located upstream of New Jersey American Water’s surface water intake.
67 TOWNS
The related change in the taste and smell of tap water was reported by residents in 67 towns around December 17, and NJAW has been flushing hydrants in an effort to address the problem since then. The Somerset County Office of Emergency Management conducted initial cleanup of the spill at M&U International on the night of Monday, December 16, 2024.
WHAT IS M&U INTERNATIONAL?
M&U International is a facility that repackages fragrances, essential oils, and flavorings at a facility located within the watershed and upstream of NJAW’s surface water intake. These compounds, most notably, alpha-pinene, can be detected by odor at extremely low levels (parts per trillion (ppt)), are commonly used as fragrance and food additives. While the odor may be unpleasant, water quality testing has shown that no public health risk has been identified.
For more information, visit: nj.gov/dep/watersupply/
