DPH DRINKING WATER LOANS BENEFIT 434,000 DELAWAREANS

Seven communities statewide are benefiting from $20,093,360 in funding from Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) for drinking water infrastructure projects to improve drinking water quality for more than 434,000 Delawareans. The projects are financed by a $16,287,600 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund grant to DPH from the Environmental Protection Agency. Another $3,805,760 in previous Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan repayments to DPH will also be utilized. The Town of Laurel closed its loan March 29, with Tidewater's Southern Shores and Angola by the Bay closing their loans on March 22. Wilmington, Georgetown, Middletown and Bridgeville loan closings will continue through June.

Proposed projects were selected by DPH's Office of Drinking Water based on public health benefits, affordability, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Projects will begin design work in the summer of 2011 and, depending on the level of complexity, may take 12 - 48 months for completion.

Specific allocations and improvements include:

• $5 million for Wilmington to improve its water distribution system and perform upgrades to its water treatment plants. This will reduce public health risks by automating chemical feed systems and replacing antiquated equipment.
• $3,795,000 for Georgetown to improve its water distribution system, install a new well, and build a new treatment plant.
• $2,186,000 for Middletown to upgrade a well and existing treatment plants, providing a back-up system in case of failure. Upgrades to the treatment plant and replacement of antiquated equipment will reduce public health threat of contamination due to main breaks and leaks.
• $550,000 for Bridgeville to replace the Walnut Street water main.
• $559,900 for Laurel to install meters to increase water conservation.
• $3,606,720 for the Artesian Water Company to upgrade water mains throughout their New Castle County system.
• $4,395,740 for Tidewater Utilities to make improvements to the Southern Shores near Bethany and Angola By the Bay water systems.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund was developed in 1996 as a requirement under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act Amendment. In addition to providing infrastructure improvement loans and grants to eligible water systems, the program also reviews water systems to ensure they have the technical, managerial and financial capabilities to meet the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.