DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 24, 2005 DHSS-115-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TESTS SHOW TCE DECREASING IN MILLSBORO DRINKING WATER
Millsboro residents can resume using their tap water today following tests that show trichloroethylene (TCE) has dropped to safe levels, according to the Division of Public Health's (DPH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW). The ban on using the public water supply continues for Dagsboro, where TCE remains at levels above regulatory standards. Private wells are not affected..
The drinking water restrictions have been lifted for Millsboro water hook ups north of Molly Field Road, Cricket Street and Thoroughgoods Road. These include those living on the north side of the above named streets. All hook ups on the south side of these streets and further into Dagsboro should continue to drink bottled water or water supplied by the National Guard. ODW will continue to monitor drinking water in Dagsboro and Millsboro.
TCE is a clear liquid that evaporates quickly, and is frequently used as a degreaser in industrial operations. State and federal regulations prohibit levels of TCE greater than 5 parts per billion (ppb). ODW tested water samples from neighborhoods served by smaller water lines to assure that the system was properly flushed. Samples taken Nov. 21 tested as follows:
- Kendal Street - TCE 0.56 ppb
- Dood Street - TCE 0.73 ppb
- Millers Run - TCE 0.86 ppb
- Magnolia Meadows - TCE 0.62 ppb
- Molly Street - TCE 0.58 ppb
The Town of Millsboro and the Office of Drinking Water will continue to monitor the wells, treatment and distribution system. DPH announced Oct. 24 that a random sample of water taken from the Boys and Girls Club of Dagsboro tested above standard levels for TCE. Dagsboro began connecting to the Millsboro public water system in July, with 66 Dagsboro connections complete. Residents were advised not to use the public water supply.
Water tests demonstrated that a carbon filtration system, installed Nov. 7 on two of Millsboro's supply wells, began reducing the levels of TCE. TCE was not detected in private well samples.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has initiated a soil and groundwater investigation to determine the source of the contamination. Field work for the investigation will begin this winter in the vicinity of Millsboro's water supply wells. For questions on the investigation, contact Paul Will or Kathy Stiller-Banning with DNREC's Site Investigation and Restoration Branch at (302) 395-2600.
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.
