The Rehoboth Beach Water Department: Ensuring a Reliable and Safe Water Supply

The Rehoboth Beach Water Department is responsible for providing safe and reliable drinking water to approximately 6,000 residential and commercial customers within and outside the city limits. As a crucial service provider, the department plays a vital role in maintaining the community’s water infrastructure and ensuring the delivery of clean, high-quality water.

What Services Does the Rehoboth Beach Water Department Provide?

Rehoboth Beach Water Department
Image ‘File:Rehoboth Beach – panoramio (44).jpg’ by Ron Shawley, licensed under CC BY 3.0

The Rehoboth Beach Water Department offers a range of services to its customers, including:

  1. Water Supply and Distribution: The department is responsible for the consistent flow of clean drinking water to its customers. This involves maintaining the water system infrastructure, such as pipes, pumps, and storage facilities, to ensure reliable water delivery.

  2. Water Quality Monitoring: The department conducts daily water quality checks to ensure that the water meets all federal and state guidelines for safe drinking water. This includes testing for contaminants and ensuring compliance with health-based standards.

  3. Water System Maintenance and Repairs: The department promptly addresses any water system breaks or failures, working to restore service and minimize disruptions to customers.

  4. Meter Reading and Billing: The department reads water usage meters for residential and commercial properties, providing accurate billing information to customers.

What is the Rehoboth Beach Water Department’s Cross-connection Control Program?

Rehoboth Beach Water Department

In 2024, the Rehoboth Beach Water Department implemented a Cross-connection Control Program to further enhance the safety of the community’s drinking water. This program focuses on:

  • Inspecting cross-connections and backflow preventers annually, particularly for commercial and high-hazard residential customers.
  • Ensuring that the water system is protected from potential contaminants that could backflow into the drinking water supply.

By implementing this program, the department is taking proactive steps to safeguard the water quality and prevent potential health risks.

How Does the Rehoboth Beach Water Department Address Lead and Copper Concerns?

The Rehoboth Beach Water Department has implemented improvements to better protect children and communities from lead exposure in drinking water. These efforts include:

  • Monitoring and testing for lead and copper levels in the water supply.
  • Implementing corrosion control measures to minimize the leaching of lead and copper from plumbing materials.
  • Educating customers on the importance of lead and copper reduction and providing guidance on testing and mitigation strategies.

By addressing these concerns, the department is working to ensure that the community’s drinking water is safe and meets all regulatory standards.

What is the Water Quality of the Rehoboth Beach Water Department?

The Rehoboth Beach Water Department has a strong track record of providing high-quality drinking water to its customers. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the department has complied with health-based drinking water standards from April 2019 to March 2021.

However, the department has detected the presence of certain contaminants, including:

  • PFBS (Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid)
  • PFHxA (Perfluorohexanoic Acid)
  • PFHxS (Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid)
  • PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)
  • PFPeA (Perfluoropentanoic Acid)

While the levels of these contaminants may be within regulatory limits, the department continues to monitor the water quality and implement measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its customers.

Who are the Key Personnel at the Rehoboth Beach Water Department?

The Rehoboth Beach Water Department is led by the following key personnel:

  • Henry Matlosz: Director of Public Works
  • Robert Downs: Water Department

These individuals are responsible for overseeing the department’s operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and making strategic decisions to maintain the water system’s reliability and efficiency.

Conclusion

The Rehoboth Beach Water Department plays a crucial role in providing safe and reliable drinking water to the community. By continuously monitoring water quality, maintaining the water system infrastructure, and implementing proactive programs, the department is committed to delivering high-quality water to its customers. As a Beaches Touring Enthusiast, you can rest assured that the Rehoboth Beach Water Department is dedicated to safeguarding the community’s water supply and ensuring a sustainable water future.

References

  1. https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/water-department
  2. https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/waste-water-department
  3. https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=DE0000723
  4. https://www.cityofrehoboth.com/water-service
  5. https://delmarva811.com/rehoboth-beach-water-department-de/

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