new details tonight about reported water problems in north and Central Jersey residents have been complaining about a foul taste and smell in their water for about a week while after extensive testing by New Jersey American Water the company that supplies the water and New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection the D has reported the source of the problem has been identified it was caused by a leak into the raran river on December 16th at a repackaging facility in Branchburg now that company's responsible for repackaging fragrances oil s and flavorings however American water and the D were quick to note that all recent testing shows the drinking water meets state and federal standards it does not pose a public health risk but customers may still notice a bad taste or smell over the next several days