Mine takes tap water, and haven't had any problems...just like NJ. The book DOES say to empty it everytime I use it, but I rarely do. Does your water come from a well?

i use nothing but distilled water in my irons but I'm still getting the rusty crap coming out of them. I just noticed it a few days ago but don't have any reason why it's do that. I did read the book that came with the iron and it says to empty the iron when your not using it so maybe it doesn't really matter what water you use?

I ALWAYS use Distilled water because I read years ago that it would prevent the colored spots and spits. It has worked great for me for many years. I recommend you buy a gallon and try it out.

Try bottled drinking water.

The last time I had to replace my iron , I baught it at Walmart, & it said to only use tap water. But My sister told me , don't use anything but distilled, so I did. Now I've had my iron for several years & it never spits or anything like that. So I'm sold on distilled water. I had always been admiring the Rowentas, but after all I've read here today, I'll be happy with what I've got. Oh by the way I used to have one of those bottles with the holy top too. LOL!