Rahway Daily Briefing

Good morning, Rahway. Here is a quick look at what is shaping life in the city today, from tap water concerns to Black History Month events and local plans.

Salty taste in tap water

Residents across the city continue to report a noticeably salty taste in their tap water after recent winter storms. The company operating the water system says road salt runoff into the Rahway River has pushed up chloride levels in the source water, creating the briny flavor many people are noticing at the tap.

Officials say the water meets state and federal safety standards for most people, but anyone on a low-sodium diet is being advised to speak with a doctor about whether to rely on bottled or filtered water for now. The utility has begun supplementing supplies from an alternate source and says it will continue until chloride levels fall back to normal winter ranges.

Black History Month in the downtown core

Black History Month is front and center downtown, where a traveling monument honoring Harriet Tubman is on display at City Hall Plaza for the month of February. The sculpture, titled “The Beacon of Hope,” depicts Tubman leading people to freedom and serves as a focal point for city and county programs celebrating African American history and culture.

Weekend events and arts

Tonight, a Valentine cookie decorating workshop on East Cherry Street offers a family-friendly way to get an early start on the holiday, while other nearby paint-and-sip style gatherings give adults an option for a casual night out.

The Union County Performing Arts Center is keeping February busy with a mix of Black History Month programming, family film nights and concerts, including a Valentine’s themed performance later this month. These shows continue the center’s role as one of the anchors of Rahway’s arts district.

Looking ahead: schools and City Hall

Rahway Public Schools are reminding families about mid-month milestones, including report cards on February 10 and a Parent Academy series focused on family engagement and early childhood education on February 11 and 12. A preschool open house on February 12 and registration opening on February 23 are key dates for families with young children.

Later in the month, the mayor and City Council will host the 2026 State of the City address at the performing arts center, inviting residents to hear updates on redevelopment, public safety, and infrastructure, including the long-running conversation about the future of the city’s water system.(allevents.in)

Seasonal norms hold in the weather department, with chilly days in the upper 30s and overnight lows in the 20s typical for Rahway in February, so plan on winter layers if you are heading to events around town.

Sources

• https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/rahway-new-jersey-salty-tap-water-taste/
• https://centraljerseyan.com/rahway-council-water-utility-sale-resolution/
• https://www.cityofrahway.com/CivicAlerts.aspx
• https://patch.com/new-jersey/rahway-nj/calendar
• https://ucpac.org/events/
• https://www.rahway.net/
• https://rhs.rahway.net/our-school/school-calendar
• https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/new-jersey-usa/rahway-weather-february