Why Monmouth and Ocean Tap Water is Tasting Funny

Have you noticed that your tap water has an increased smell or taste of chlorine? Here's why.

New Jersey American Water is performing routine maintenance on its water distribution system.

The water company says the switch from chloramines to free chlorine will last through April. New Jersey American Water pledges to “continuously monitor water quality to ensure that it meets or surpasses federal and state drinking water standards.”

The change will take place during the water treatment process at New Jersey American Water’s Swimming River Water Treatment Plant in Colts Neck and its Jumping Brook Water Treatment Plant in Neptune.

The towns affected are: Aberdeen, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Avon, Bay Head, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Brick, Colts Neck, Deal, Eatontown, Fair Haven, Highlands, Holmdel, Interlaken, Keansburg, Lake Como, parts of Lavalette, Little Silver, Loch Arbor, Long Branch, Mantoloking, Matawan, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Neptune, Neptune City, Ocean Grove, Ocean Township, Oceanport, Red Bank, Point Pleasant, Rumson, Sea Bright, Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Township, Toms River, Tinton Falls, Union Beach and West Long Branch.

The company suggests placing water uncovered in the refrigerator overnight to allow the chlorine to dissipate, or boiling the water to speed that process. For a quicker solution, a lemon slice or a couple drops of lemon juice should mask the taste.