Notices and Alerts

    • FEBRUARY 14, 2025 - New Jersey Residents May Notice Salty Taste in Tap Water Amid Winter Weather and Drought Conditions
      • CAMDEN, N.J. (FEB. 14, 2025) – Due to the use of salt and brine for public safety during the recent extreme winter weather and, ongoing drought conditions, New Jersey residents may have noticed a salty taste in their tap water. Despite the slight change in taste, New Jersey American Water wants to assure its customers that the water it provides continues to meet all health-based primary drinking water standards. Click here for information.

    • As of end of day, January 21st , Curbside Christmas Tree Collection is completed. If you still have a Christmas Tree, you can bring to our Public Works location at 70 Southfield Road to be recycled. Reminder – please remove any plastic bags, lights, ornaments, garland, tinsel, nails or stands before placing in our Brush Pile.

    • PUBLIC NOTICE: The Friends of West Windsor Open Space holding a public hearing on January 23, 2025 at 7:30pm in Room A of the Municipal Building.

      On January 23, 2025, at 7:30PM, the all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit Friends of West Windsor Open Space (FOWWOS) will hold a Public Hearing on "Moses Tunda Tatamy Trail" - a proposed project that will convert a non-public access road into a public history/nature trail. The purposes of this meeting are to (1) discuss the project and enact a Resolution by FOWWOS enabling FOWWOS to proceed with the application, (2) discuss FOWWOS's "Green Acres" application (more info below), and (3) invite public comment.

      PURPOSE: The Friends of West Windsor Open Space (FOWWOS), in conjunction with the Historical Society of West Windsor, and the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, is pleased to announce it is seeking funding from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program, for establishing a pedestrian trail in West Windsor, on township owned property, between Penn Lyle Road to the Duck Pond Run Pump Station, located at the western terminance of Jacob Drive.

      PROJECT SCOPE: FOWWOS proposes the approximate 1 mile, 10’-wide pedestrian trail, to be named “Moses Tunda Tatamy Trail", after a Leni Lenape leader of the 1700s, who is associated with this area. It will overlay the existing township sewer line. The trail surface will be comprised of crushed stone. The application’s Concept Plan, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Units and Quantities Cost Estimates, will be posted on the Friends of West Windsor Open Space (FOWWOS) website http://www.fowwos.net on January 21, 2025.

      PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT: In addition to being posted on the FOWWOS website, on January 21, 2025, the application’s Concept Plan, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Units and Quantities Cost Estimates, will be available for review and comment at the office of the West Windsor Mayor, West Windsor Municipal Building, 271 Clarksville Road, as well as at the Green Acres office, 401 East State Street, 7th Floor, Trenton, New Jersey. Further, written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Paul Ligeti, FOWWOS Trustee and Secretary, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to FOWWOS, P.O. 73, West Windsor, NJ 08550. A public hearing presenting the application, at which comments to the application may also be made, will be held on the evening of Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 7:30PM, in Room A of the West Windsor Municipal Building. This public hearing may also be viewed on Zoom. See the FOWWOS website for accessing the hearing via Zoom.

      Please note that the FOWWOS funding application is to be submitted to the Green Acres Program by Wednesday, February 5, 2025, so please submit any comments by Friday, January 31, 2025.

      On behalf of FOWWOS, we look forward to your comments and meeting you on January 23.
      For More Information:
      https://www.fowwos.net/tatamy.html 

EMERGENCY ALERT- AMERICAN WATER COMPANY WATER UPDATES

New Jersey American Water Statewide Mandatory Conservation Notice in effect for all customers

Statewide Mandatory Conservation Notice in effect for all customers Learn More 

American Water Works Service Company, Inc.
CUSTOMERS NOTIFIED 12/27/2024 10:55 AM EST
LAST UPDATED 12/27/2024 8:40 AM EST
ESTIMATED EVENT START 12/27/2024 11:00 AM EST
ESTIMATED EVENT END 1/4/2025 12:00 AM EST

Important Update on Continued Efforts in the Raritan System

This is an important update from New Jersey American Water. We continue to work closely with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) to manage the impacts of a leak that occurred on Dec. 16, 2024, from a repackaging facility in Branchburg, N.J. into a tributary of the Raritan River. According to the NJ DEP, the material of the spill consisted of compounds, most notably alpha-pinene, which are commonly used as fragrance and food additives. The health and safety of our customers is a priority. There are no drinking water advisories in place, as the water meets state and federal standards.

New Jersey American Water is continuing to collect sampling results, modify our treatment process and perform targeted hydrant flushing. As of Dec. 26, the company has observed no odor detections in the source water or in the water leaving its treatment plants. We are also continuing to coordinate with the New Jersey Water Supply Authority, which has been releasing additional source water into the river.

As the DEP continues to direct remediation efforts at the leak site, and in anticipation of expected precipitation this weekend, New Jersey American Water will continue its monitoring, flushing and treatment efforts.

As a reminder, while the presence of alpha-pinene may still potentially be identified by its odor, the compound has not been detected using advanced analytical chemistry testing in the finished water leaving our treatment facilities or in the water distribution system. The water leaving New Jersey American Water’s treatment plants meets state and federal primary drinking water standards established by NJ DEP and US EPA, and no risk to public health has been identified by the NJ DEP.

We will keep working with the NJ DEP until this issue is resolved. While the water meets all standards, and NJ DEP has confirmed there is no risk to public health, we understand the taste and odor issues are frustrating. We appreciate our customers’ patience, cooperation, and trust. For updates, frequently asked questions and more, visit njamwaterwaterquality.com.

December 23, 2024

Following NJ DEP’s Identification of a Third-Party Compound Leak, New Jersey American Water Continues to Monitor Water Quality in its Raritan System; No Drinking Water Advisories in Effect

CAMDEN, N.J. – DEC. 23, 2024 – New Jersey American Water continues to monitor water quality following reports of changes in the taste and odor of drinking water from customers served by its Raritan System. In a statement today, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) reported the initial results of its investigation, which attributes these changes to a leak that occurred on Dec. 16 from a repackaging facility in Branchburg, N.J. into a tributary of the Raritan River. The facility repackages fragrances, essential oils, and flavorings.

New Jersey American Water continues to monitor water quality and laboratory testing indicates that the water leaving New Jersey American Water’s two Raritan system treatment plants meets state and federal primary drinking water standards established by NJ DEP and US EPA and does not pose a public health risk.

“Providing safe drinking water to our customers is our foremost priority,” said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water. “Since Tuesday, Dec. 17, our teams have worked tirelessly, collecting hundreds of water quality samples around the clock throughout our system to help address the cause of the changes in taste and odor. Our proactive measures to adjust our treatment process and flush our system have allowed us to continue to provide water to our customers that meets state and federal drinking water quality standards, despite these challenges.”

New Jersey American Water first received customer inquiries regarding a change in taste and odor in the water in its Raritan system late in the evening on Tuesday, December 17. The company began to investigate and performed a series of actions including sampling and testing from the source water, different points in the treatment system of its water treatment plants, and sites throughout the distribution system. To address the issue, New Jersey American Water proactively adjusted its treatment processes and commenced targeted hydrant flushing across the system.

According to the NJ DEP, the material of the spill consisted of compounds, most notably alpha-pinene, which are commonly used as fragrance and food additives. Due to the fragrant nature of the compound, it can be smelled at minute concentrations measured in parts per trillion (ppt). For context, 1 ppt is equivalent to 4 drops of liquid in the amount of water that would fill Rutgers University’s SHI Stadium. Though detection levels of the compound are infinitesimal, customers may continue to notice the taste and odor over the next several days.

"We are grateful to the NJ DEP for their collaboration and diligence in investigating the cause of this issue that has resulted in both of our teams working around the clock and our customers concerned about the safety of the water,” said Mark McDonough, President, New Jersey American Water. “We understand our customers’ frustration, and we look forward to the prompt resolution of this problem.”

New Jersey American Water will continue to monitor water quality in cooperation with the NJ DEP and provide any additional updates to customers via its customer notification system as well as a dedicated webpage for this issue, njamwaterwaterquality.com, which includes a form for customer inquiries.

About New Jersey American Water New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.9 million people.

For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

New Jersey American Water Odor and Taste Alert Update from Mayor Hemant Marathe - December 21

NJ American Water Taste and Odor Issues Raritan System
DECEMBER 22 AT 5:45 p.m. Update:

We understand the taste and odor changes in the Raritan system have been concerning to customers, and we want to assure you we’re doing everything we can to address the issue. The health and safety of our customers is a priority. There are currently no drinking water advisories in place for customers as the water meets state and federal standards.

Since Wednesday, December 18, we've tested over 200 compounds across 49 sample sites, from the source to tap. We are in consistent contact with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) and diligently assisting their investigation to get to the root of the problem and keep our customers informed. In addition to assisting the NJ DEP investigation, we are running extensive tests which continue to confirm that this is a taste and odor issue and not a public health risk. Targeted hydrant flushing and sampling is ongoing.

While the water meets all state and federal standards, we understand the taste and odor issues are frustrating. NJ DEP commissioner Shawn LaTourette stated yesterday, "Despite continuing taste and odor concerns, we have not found any exceedance of our state or federal drinking water quality standards."

Customers may continue to notice an odor over the next several days. We will keep working with the NJ DEP until this is resolved. We appreciate our customers’ patience, cooperation and trust. As additional information becomes available, the company will provide updates here.

DECEMBER 21 AT 7:15 p.m. Update:

New Jersey American Water continues to monitor and sample water quality throughout its system and will continue to flush targeted areas through the weekend. Since Wednesday, December 18th, we've tested for more than 200 unique compounds across 49 sample sites throughout our source of supply, treatment facilities and distribution system. We continue working closely with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) as well as local and state officials to investigate the issue and provide updates and sampling information.

NJ DEP commissioner Shawn LaTourette stated today, "NJ DEP and New Jersey American Water continue to vigorously explore the genesis of this problem, already taking hundreds of samples. Despite continuing taste and odor concerns, we have not found any exceedance of our state or federal drinking water quality standards."

We will continue to work with the NJ DEP to resolve this issue. Customers may continue to notice an odor over the next several days. We appreciate our customers’ continued patience and cooperation as we continue to work through the issue. We will update customers as more information becomes available, and will continue to post updates here.

DECEMBER 20 AT 7:30 p.m. Update:

New Jersey American Water first received customer inquiries regarding a change in taste and odor in the water in our Raritan system late in the evening on Tuesday, December 17. The company began to investigate and performed a series of actions including sampling and testing from the source water, at different points in the treatment system of our water treatment plants, and at sites throughout the distribution system. To address the issue, New Jersey American Water proactively adjusted our treatment processes and commenced targeted hydrant flushing across the system.

New Jersey American Water continues to sample and test the water, and laboratory results show the water meets state and federal drinking water standards. We have shared our sampling data with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) and nothing has been identified as a risk to public health. New Jersey American Water continues to assist the NJ DEP as it investigates potential pollution sources within the watershed.

We will continue to work diligently with the NJ DEP to resolve this issue, but customers may continue to notice an odor over the next few days. We appreciate our customers’ continued cooperation and patience.

DECEMBER 19 AT 5:23 p.m. Update:

New Jersey American Water’s teams are continuing to flush targeted areas of the Raritan system and perform additional sampling throughout the communities that are reporting a changed odor in the water.

Additional laboratory testing of the samples confirmed that water meets state and federal drinking water standards. We are working with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection to determine if any other course of action or precautionary measures are necessary. We will continue to perform targeted flushing and sampling throughout the system tonight. We will provide another update on the Alerts page of our website as soon as more information is available.

American Water Company- DECEMBER 19 AT 11:30 a.m. Update Taste and Odor Issues – Raritan System:
Late on Wednesday, December 17, New Jersey American Water began receiving reports of changes in the taste and odor of our water in our Raritan System and surrounding areas (see list of towns below). We immediately began to investigate, taking samples from the source water, at different points in the treatment system of the two water treatment plants that serve this region, and at sites throughout the distribution system. While preliminary sampling results show water meets primary standards, we are continuing to sample throughout our system to monitor water quality.

We began flushing hydrants last night. Flushing will continue today in an effort to help clear the system, which may result in low pressure and/or discoloration. If your water is discolored, run the cold-water taps only, at the lowest level of the house for about 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear.
We thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to resolve this issue. We will provide updates as they become available.

Impacted Towns:
Belle Mead, Berkeley Heights, Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Branchburg, Chester, Clark, Cranbury, Cranford, Dunellen, Edison, Fanwood, Far Hills, Flagtown, Flemington, Franklin Township, Garwood, Gladstone, Green Brook, Hightstown, Hillsborough, Hillside, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, Jamesburg, Kenilworth, Kingston, Lawrence, Linden, Manville, Martinsville, Middlesex, Millstone, Monroe Township, Montgomery, Mountainside, Neshanic Station, New Providence, North Plainfield, Peapack, Piscataway, Plainfield, Plainsboro, Pottersville, Princeton, Princeton Junction, Raritan Borough, Raritan Township, Readington, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Somerville, South Brunswick, South Plainfield, South Bound Brook, Tewksbury, Three Bridges, Union, Vauxhall, Warren, Watchung, West Windsor, Westfield, Whitehouse and Whitehouse Station.

EMERGENCY ALERT - American Water Company: Taste and Odor Issues - Raritan System December 19:

https://amwater.com/njaw/alerts

New Jersey American Water is aware of the changes in the taste and odor of our water reported by customers in our Raritan System and surrounding areas. (Please refer to the list below.) We are investigating and continuing to sample throughout our system. We will also be flushing hydrants overnight in an effort to help clear the system, which may result in low pressure and/or discoloration for customers.

If your water is discolored, run the cold water taps only, at the lowest level of the house for about 3 to 5 minutes until the water runs clear.

American Water Company thanks you for your patience and understanding while we work to resolve this issue. They will provide updates as they become available on Thursday.

Impacted Towns:
Belle Mead, Berkeley Heights, Bound Brook, Bridgewater, Branchburg, Chester, Clark, Cranbury, Cranford, Dunellen, Edison, Fanwood, Far Hills, Flagtown, Flemington, Franklin Township, Garwood, Gladstone, Green Brook, Hightstown, Hillsborough, Hillside, Hopewell Borough, Hopewell Township, Jamesburg, Kenilworth, Kingston, Lawrence, Linden, Manville, Martinsville, Middlesex, Millstone, Monroe Township, Montgomery, Mountainside, Neshanic Station, New Providence, North Plainfield, Peapack, Piscataway, Plainfield, Plainsboro, Pottersville, Princeton, Princeton Junction, Raritan Borough, Raritan Township, Readington, Roselle, Roselle Park, Scotch Plains, Somerset, Somerville, South Brunswick, South Plainfield, South Bound Brook, Tewksbury, Three Bridges, Union, Vauxhall, Warren, Watchung, West Windsor, Westfield, Whitehouse and Whitehouse Station.

https://alertsdetail.awapps.com/alert/68702

To sign up for alerts from American Water Company: https://login.amwater.com/

Diwali without Fireworks (posted 10/30/24)

Due to extreme dry conditions the state has issued ban on bonfires and fireworks displays in large part of the state.

Legally fireworks by individuals are not banned by the state nor by the township.

As a good citizen I request all residents of West Windsor who celebrate Diwali to do so this year without using fireworks. The leaves are extremely dry and in danger of catching fire. With dry conditions the fire spreads very rapidly especially given the modern building materials.

The fireworks at Mercer County Park last weekend were canceled. I thanked the organizers for agreeing to do that.

If you have not bought the fireworks spend the money on sweets. Diwali sweets won't add to your weight. If you have already purchased fireworks please save them for another occasion.

Let's set an example of good citizenship and celebrate Diwali with family and friends without fireworks. The firefights and all animals in West Windsor will thank you for it.

Happy Diwali to all who celebrate.
Hemant Marathe
Mayor, West Windsor

Fireworks Notice