Delaware municipalities to receive funds for drinking water upgrades

The US Environmental Protection Agency has awarded an $18m grant to the state of Delaware to fund drinking water infrastructure upgrade works.

The grant will be split between nine municipalities in the state as part of the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programme.

The projects will upgrade failing distribution systems, provide current technology and replace antiquated equipment.

Construction work will commence late this year and over 150,000 Delawareans will receive improved drinking water on completion of these projects.

DPH Health Systems Protection section chief Thom May said the Office of Drinking Water aims to protect the health of Delawareans by assuring safe drinking water through monitoring, technical assistance and public education.

"The DWSRF is an important part of DPH’s on-going commitment to high quality drinking water," May said.

Delaware’s Wilimington community has recieved a $6.5m grant and will use the funds to upgrade treatment plants and improve water distribution systems.

Selbyville will deploy wells and transmission mains using $1.4m grant, Seaford will spend its $1.9m grant on installing water meters, Georgetown will invest $3.3m to upgrade a treatment plant and Milford will use its $4m fund to build a new treatment plant.

Smaller grants awarded to Middletown, Delmar and Blades will be use to upgrade distribution works and install new wells.

Image: EPA funding will see improved drinking water services which will benefit 150,000 people in Delaware, US. Photo: de:Benutzer:Alex Anlicker.