Bayonne's water may taste, look different, but it's still safe to drink, BMUA says

BAYONNE -- In response to complaints about the taste and odor of the city's water, the Bayonne Municipal Utilities Authority is assuring residents that the water is still safe for drinking, cooking and bathing.

BMUA Executive Director Tim Boyle told The Jersey Journal today that the Authority only received a "handful" of complaints from residents about the city's water, and that they weren't limited to a particular section of the city.

"Some people are more sensitive to it, and the vast majority don't (notice it)," he said, adding that there haven't been any additional complaints since Aug. 27.

Boyle said warm water temperatures can cause an increase in algae growth that can lead to a musty, earthy taste or odor in the city's water, and that naturally occurring minerals can lead to its discoloration.

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He said the effect is exacerbated during especially long, hot and dry summers, but that "the water that goes through Bayonne is constantly tested" and is filtered and chlorinated to make it safe for normal use.

At the Bayonne Public Library today at Avenue C and West 31st Street, the water flowing in the restrooms and from water fountains was clear and odorless.

But a city resident living on East 14th Street between Avenue E and Broadway said there was still a "hint of dirt taste" in the water today, though she noted the taste was worse last week.

When the BMUA acknowledged the problem earlier this week on the city's Facebook page and said the water is safe to drink and that attempts were being made to return it to its original quality, some residents expressed dissatisfaction.

"Does anyone feel ok with drinking dirty-looking, stinky water just because someone, somewhere, says it's safe?!" Joanne Davis said in a comment.

Meanwhile, Camille Squillante commented that her water hasn't returned to normal for three weeks. She said United Water originally said the water would be back to normal on Monday but then delayed the date by "a few more days."

United Water couldn't immediately be reached for comment for this report.

Jonathan Lin may be reached at jlin@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @jlin_jj. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.

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