Rehoboth Beach storm water system due for a revamp

"When I bring my grandchildren up to the beach to swim, I would like the ocean to be as pure as it can be."

Storm water runoff is contaminating the ocean at Rehoboth Beach. City council members are working to fix the problem that has many people worried that they're going to get sick.

Kevin Williams, Rehoboth Beach's Public Work Director said, "We're doing everything we can to make sure that the storm water that goes into the ocean is as clean as it should be."

Williams said the original storm water pipe system just isn't working. That's why he's taking extra steps to make sure the new system does what it's supposed to do: get rid of excess water without letting harmful bacteria seep out into the ocean.

Williams also said,  "We just want to make sure we're not getting things into the storm sewer that shouldn't be there."

Even though Rehoboth is planning to address the issue to work out the kinks for the next beach season, some are still worried that bacteria will be ingested by fish contaminating seafood. 

Marian Casarella, a Rehoboth Beach resident said, "What we don't need is our fresh seafood, which tries to keep us healthy, to be contaminated."

Casarella also said, "Our visitors eat. Our locals eat. to keep the seafood pure, natural, and free of toxins."

While there haven't been any reports of people getting sick, Williams said the city of Rehoboth is doing everything it can to prevent illness.

He also said the city will start planning on labor day to update the storm pump system.

Williams said, "We're still going to assess it's long-term viability to ensure that's the right treatment for this application."