DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 22, 2000 DHSS-DPH73-2000 |
| Gregg C. Sylvester, M.D., Secretary Janis D. Shields, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Allison Taylor Levine, DPH Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PLANTERS WOODS BOIL-WATER ADVISORY TO STAND OVER HOLIDAY WEEKEND
DOVER - The Division of Public Health's (DPH) boil-water advisory for the Planters Woods neighborhood will stand over the holiday weekend because bacteria -killing chlorine has not yet moved completely through the subdivision.
"We're aware of the inconvenience, especially at this time," said DPH Director Ulder J. Tillman, MD, MPH. "But we want to ensure that the public is safe over this holiday period."
Residents are encouraged to bring water to a rolling boil for a full minute before drinking it, or to use bottled water temporarily. It is still safe for bathing and other uses.
The boil-water advisory took effect early this week, when state drinking water officials detected the bacteria E. coli in a water sample taken from Planters Woods. Since that test, no other samples have shown the presence of E. coli, which can be harmful in drinking water, but tests have detected the presence of another non-harmful bacteria called total coliform. Total coliform is not harmful, but it is an indicator that can suggest the presence of other harmful bacteria.
In order to assure sufficient chlorine levels are present throughout the system, residents have to use enough water to draw the chlorine all the way through. Planters Woods is a small, newly constructed neighborhood with only a few homes occupied so far. With such a small number of families living in the neighborhood, it will probably take until at least next week for the chlorine to travel through the whole water system.
Normally in such circumstances, DPH's Office of Drinking Water (ODW) would flush the water through the system by opening hydrants, but officials cannot do this in Planters Woods because the development's drains are still under construction and the neighborhood would be flooded.
ODW will begin sampling the water again on Tuesday. Once chlorine levels are sufficient and bacteria have been eliminated, DPH will lift the boil-water advisory and residents can return to normal water use.
Anyone with questions or concerns about water quality can call the Division of Public Health's Office of Drinking Water at (302) 739-5410. Or call the Delaware HelpLine at (800) 464-HELP and ask for the Office of Drinking Water.
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.
