Contact: Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902
Water samples from wells in Sussex’s Nanticoke River
Watershed needed for groundwater quality study
SUSSEX COUNTY (Jan. 19, 2011) – Water samples from domestic wells in Sussex’s Nanticoke River Watershed are needed for a groundwater quality study being completed by DNREC’s Division of Water. Property owners living in the Nanticoke River watershed, who are willing to have their well water sampled and tested, are encouraged to contact DNREC by Feb. 15.
The Nanticoke River Watershed is located on the western side of Delaware from Harrington east to Georgetown and south to Delmar and includes lands that drain into the Nanticoke River. Attached is a map of the watershed.
The study will determine general groundwater quality, the amount of nutrients that groundwater contributes to streams, and how land use and soil types may influence groundwater quality in the watershed. The results will be used to educate the public and develop recommendations to improve groundwater quality in the Nanticoke River Watershed.
To complete the study about 80 to 90 unconfined domestic wells (shallow wells less than 100 feet deep) will need to be sampled. Samples generally can be collected from an outside spigot, and sample collection takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Samples will be tested for inorganic compounds, such as metals, and for nutrients, including sodium, iron, chloride, magnesium, potassium, nitrates and phosphorus. There is no cost for residents, and analytical results from water samples will be provided to well owners. The test results have a value of approximately $200.
Property owners, who are willing to have their well water sampled and tested, are encouraged to contact Blair Venables or Amber Joseph at (302) 739-9945, or email blair.venables@state.de.us or amber.joseph@state.de.us and provide name, address, telephone number and email address. If available, please provide the property’s tax map parcel number and well permit number. This information will help to determine whether the well meets the study criteria.
Vol. 40, No. 16
