Water Sector News
A snapshot of clean water stories from publications around the country, updated daily!
Lewes launches investigation into wastewater plant that polluted river
LEWES, Del. (AP) — A Delaware city has launched an investigation into its wastewater plant after two equipment malfunctions weeks apart caused untreated water to flow into a river.
The Lewes Board of Public Works announced the investigation with the state Department of Natural Resources and the city government on Wednesday. All equipment at the Lewes Wastewater Treatment Plant will be inspected after filters and other parts were reported to have failed, Public Works President D. Preston Lee said in a statement.
The first failure reported on Dec. 18 caused partially treated wastewater to be discharged into the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, news outlets reported at the time. The leak lasted for 10 days until new equipment was installed. But problems with the new equipment then caused a two-hour discharge of sewage water again this month, the Natural Resources Department said.