New Jersey American Water customers may temporarily notice a slightly salty taste in the water due to runoff containing salt used to melt snow and ice. The water continues to meet all health-based primary drinking water standards.
Each winter, local road departments, commercial parking lot owners, and homeowners use salt to melt snow and ice and to maintain roads and other surfaces for safe traction. As the snow melts or when it rains or snows, salt can eventually make its way to nearby rivers and streams through runoff. In some cases, these rivers and streams may also be the source for drinking water supplies. When this occurs, it can increase the levels of sodium and chloride in the source water, and when the salt concentration in drinking water is high enough, customers may experience a salty taste in the water.
Your drinking water continues to meet all health-based primary drinking water standards. For most individuals, the sodium intake from water does not pose a health concern, because a much greater intake of sodium takes place from salt in the diet. However, sodium levels above the recommended upper limit may be a concern to individuals on a sodium-restricted diet. Customers with health questions are encouraged to contact their family physicians. New Jersey American Water continues to work with organizations dedicated to finding less impactful means of road maintenance. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
