Officials: Pink water coming out of New Brunswick faucets is safe to drink

The pink hue is the result of an oxidizer used to treat the water supply, according to a notice from the New Brunswick Police Department.

Toniann Antonelli

Oct 3, 2024, 4:21 PM

Updated 78 days ago

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Residents in New Brunswick may notice that their water is coming out of the tap with a pink hue. While it may be unsettling, officials say the water is perfectly safe.
According to a notice sent out by the New Brunswick Police Department, the pink water is being caused by a chemical used to pretreat the raw water supply prior to distribution.
"The City's Water Treatment Plant experienced an overfeed of Potassium Permanganate which has caused a pink hue to the City's water supply," the advisory states. Officials say that although the water is safe to use and drink, residents who notice the pink hue should avoid doing water until the water runs clear. Customers are also advised to run their taps until the water runs clear prior to using the water for any other purpose.
So far, the city has not issued a boil water advisory. Officials have not said how long it will take for the water to return to normal.