DRINKING WATER WARNING
Lewes Board Of Public Works
BOIL YOUR WATER BEFORE USING
Increased Risk from Microbial Contamination
On Tuesday, August 20th, 2024 we experienced a drop in pressure due to a treatment plant issue which caused a loss of positive water pressure in our distribution system. A loss of positive water pressure is a signal of the existence of conditions that could allow contamination to enter the distribution system through back-flow by back-pressure or back-siphonage. As a result, there is an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms.
What should I do?
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using. Alternatively, bottled water may be used. You should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice.
Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
These symptoms, however, are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, but also by other factors. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, seeking medical advice is recommended.
People with severely compromised immune systems, infants, and some elderly may be at increased risk. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
What happened? What is being done?
Due to a possible communication error in the treatment plant our water system dropped below the minimum 25 psi required. We have since repaired the issue and are slowly bring the pressure back up in the system. We will inform you when all corrective actions have been completed and when you no longer need to boil your water.
For more information, please contact Austin Calaman at 302-645-6228 or Caitlin Berchtold, Environmental Health Specialist II with the Office of Drinking Water at 302-741-8630.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
This notice is being sent to you by the Lewes Board Of Public Works
PWS ID# DE0000602 Date distributed: 8/20/2024
