New Brunswick Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

New Brunswick Water Department (NEW BRUNSWICK W DEPT) supplies water to approximately 55,000 residents in New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey (PWSID NJ2004002). Surface water is drawn from intakes on the Raritan River, Millstone River, and Delaware & Raritan Canal, supplemented by groundwater from the Brunswick, Passaic, Stockton, Glacial Drift, and Basalt Aquifers. Treatment involves conventional filtration, with the blend of surface and groundwater adjusted throughout the year based on raw water quality.

The primary watershed is the Raritan River Basin, encompassing the Millstone River sub-basin and the Delaware & Raritan Canal, draining diverse Triassic–Jurassic formations of the Newark Basin. Key geology includes the Passaic Formation (shales and siltstones) and Stockton Formation (conglomerates and sandstones), with the Brunswick Aquifer providing confined groundwater flow through red shale. This geology imparts a moderately mineralised character: surface flows dilute dissolved ions while groundwater extracts calcium and magnesium from sedimentary bedrock, yielding a balanced chemistry without excessive softness or aggressive hardness.

At moderately hard levels, scale buildup occurs noticeably on fixtures and reduces hot water heater efficiency over time, with dishwashers, kettles, and washing machines most affected by visible mineral deposits. Soap lathering is reduced, and glassware may show spots. Regular vinegar descaling and low-flow aerators help manage effects; a water softener is recommended for households experiencing dry skin, laundry stiffness, or visible spotting. The utility reports 5 contaminants exceeding EPA health-based guidelines, earning a quality score of 50/100 — point-of-use filters are advisable. Treatment includes conventional filtration for the mixed source supply, with fluoride occurring naturally or added, and sodium levels around 31–36 mg/L noted for informational purposes.