Salty Tap Water in South Jersey? What To Know

If you’ve noticed a salty taste in your tap water in South Jersey, you’re not alone. As many residents in the area experience this issue, understanding why this happens and how to fix it can help you ensure that your home’s water is fresh, clean, and safe for your family.

What Causes Salty Tap Water?

1. High Chloride Levels

   One of the main reasons for salty-tasting water in South Jersey is high chloride levels. Chlorides come from natural sources like seawater intrusion, as well as human activities such as road salt runoff and industrial waste. When chloride concentrations increase in water sources, it can lead to a salty taste.

2. Seawater Intrusion

   Since South Jersey is close to the coast, seawater can seep into underground aquifers, especially in areas where excessive groundwater pumping lowers the water table. This intrusion increases the salinity of well water, making it taste salty.

3. Water Treatment Processes

   Some municipal water treatment facilities use processes that contribute to higher salt content. For instance, ion exchange water softeners replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, which can sometimes leave water tasting slightly salty.

4. Aging Infrastructure

   Corroded or outdated pipes may allow minerals and salts to enter the water supply, affecting both taste and quality. Older plumbing systems, especially those made from metal, can also impact water composition.

Is Salty Tap Water Safe to Drink?

In most cases, slightly salty water isn’t harmful, but it can be unpleasant. However, individuals on low-sodium diets or those with high blood pressure should be cautious, as increased sodium intake from drinking water can contribute to health issues over time. Additionally, high chloride levels can lead to corrosion in pipes and appliances, reducing their lifespan and increasing maintenance costs.

How to Fix Salty Tap Water

If you’re dealing with salty water in your home, here are a few solutions:

1. Water Testing
   The first step is to test your water to determine the exact cause of the salinity. Culligan offers professional water testing services to identify contaminants and provide tailored solutions.
2. Reverse Osmosis Systems
   A reverse osmosis (RO) system is one of the most effective ways to remove salt from your drinking water. RO systems filter out dissolved solids, including sodium and chloride, giving you fresher, better-tasting water.
3. Upgrading Water Softeners
   If you use a water softener, adjusting its settings or switching to a system with a salt-free alternative may help reduce the salty taste.
4. Whole-House Filtration
   A whole-house filtration system can help remove excess salts, ensuring that all the water in your home—whether for drinking, cooking, or bathing—remains clean and free from unpleasant flavors.

Get Rid of Salty Water with Culligan

At Culligan, we specialize in providing customized water treatment solutions to address South Jersey’s unique water quality challenges. Whether you need a simple drinking water system or a whole-house filtration setup, we can help you find the right solution for your home.

Contact Culligan of South Jersey today and say goodbye to salty water and hello to great-tasting, high-quality water for you and your family.