Lewes tackling water discoloration problems

Clear water some days, discolored water other days. That's the issue some Lewes residents are dealing with.

"It's definitely rusty, that's what the main problem is," says Darrin Gordon, the Manager at the Lewes Public Works.

Lewes officials are trying to get to the bottom of what's causing discoloration in local drinking water. Over the past few years they've received  complaints. Unfortunately, none of them have given them enough information to pinpoint the root of the issue. 

"It's very intermittent, sometimes it's here, sometimes it's there," says Gordon.

We're told the complaints aren't specific to any parts of the city, but regardless they want want to get to the bottom of it. City officials believe one factor could be  plumbing inside homes as well as old city pipes that dates back to the 40's.

"So these larger pipes are from the water distribution system, and if you look inside the pipe where there is iron built up and what happens is that dislodges and gets into the system," says Anne Marie Townshend, the Lewes City Manager.

City officials say ongoing construction can also shake up old pipes launching rust into the water

"DelDOT came over to remove a railroad, and with that they were doing some pounding and at that time we felt  there was discolored water claims," says Gordon.

Lewes officials say the water does not pose a health threat, but those who have current health conditions should avoid  drinking it. In the meantime the city has set money aside replace old pipes and they urge residents to report water issues so they can make certain areas a priority.

"We've had a 5 year budget, over 5 million dollars where we are going to be replacing the remainder of our old pipes and improve that water quality for everyone," says Gordon.