New Jersey American Water customers who are returning to their homes along Ocean County’s barrier island in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy can once again use the water for drinking and cooking. The company reports that repairs to its water distribution system have been completed to a point that the “Do Not Consume” order which was in place for portions of the barrier islands has been lifted. Results of water quality testing have confirmed that water quality meets federal and state drinking water standards.

The lift notice applies to customers in the following communities:

• Brick Twp. (New Jersey American Water customers on the barrier island only)
• Dover (Toms River) Twp. (New Jersey American Water customers on the barrier island only including Chadwick Beach and Normandy Beach)
• Lavallette Borough (New Jersey American Water customers only)
• Mantoloking Borough
• Ortley Beach
• Pelican Island (Do Not Consume lifted on Dec. 19)

As a precaution, New Jersey American Water recommends that customers in these areas where the Do Not Consume notice has been lifted take the following measures to turn over the water in their service lines and plumbing:

• Run your water faucets for 3-5 minutes to flush your service connection and interior plumbing with water from the service main.
• Empty and clean your automatic ice makers and water chillers.
• Drain and refill your hot water heater if the temperature is set below 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Service connections with a water softener/cartridge filters should be run through a regeneration cycle or other procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
• Water reservoirs in tall buildings should be drained and refilled.

As the company continues its restoration work on the barrier islands, some customers still require service line installation before they can access their water service. These customers should call New Jersey American Water’s customer service at 1-800-652-6987.

New Jersey American Water thanks its customers for their patience and cooperation during this event. Customers are encouraged to share this information with other New Jersey American Water customers in the affected area listed above.

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.