TV Delmarva CHANNEL 33 WOWZ

Tag: Water

  • DEMA Mobilizes Delaware National Guard in Preparation for Coastal Storm Effects

    DEMA Mobilizes Delaware National Guard in Preparation for Coastal Storm Effects

    (SMYRNA, DE) — The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) has announced the activation of the Delaware National Guard to support preparations and response efforts as the state faces threats from coastal flooding and strong winds expected to persist through tomorrow.

    Having coordinated with state and local officials since Friday, DEMA said it is strategically deploying Guard resources to where they will be needed most. Reception centers are already open across Kent and Sussex counties, with sheltering plans in place should demand increase. Agencies including the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, DelDOT, and the American Red Cross are working closely with local authorities to facilitate access to these resources.

    In Bowers Beach, the mayor has issued a voluntary evacuation order for residents east of Whitwells Delight Road. Individuals needing shelter are guided to the Magnolia Fire Company or to contact the Kent County Emergency Operations Center at 302-735-3465 for further guidance.

    Reception Center Locations

    • Kent County: Magnolia Fire Hall, 2 North Main Street, Magnolia, DE
    • Sussex County: Millsboro Fire Hall, 109 E State St, Millsboro, DE

    DelDOT continues to monitor road conditions and post closures through its website and mobile app. Meanwhile, DNREC has closed beaches, surf crossings, and campgrounds at Delaware Seashore State Park and Cape Henlopen State Park until further notice.

    DEMA Director A.J. Schall commented, “We’re monitoring the situation and proactively positioning additional resources to support counties and municipalities in safeguarding residents. DEMA will continue to issue Watches, Warnings, and other directives as needed.”

    Officials warn that moderate-to-major coastal flooding, damaging wind gusts, tree damage, power outages, and roadway flooding remain possible. Additional local evacuations may be ordered if conditions worsen.

    Safety Guidelines for Residents

    1. Enroll in DENS – Sign up for the Delaware Emergency Notification System to receive alerts via phone or email.
    2. Know your zone – Use the Know Your Zone tool to determine whether your address falls within an evacuation zone. Stay alert even if you are outside a designated zone.
    3. Plan your evacuation – Outline a route, inform family members, and carry hard copies of important documents.
    4. Assemble an emergency kit – Include essentials such as medications, food, water, batteries, flashlights, and supplies for pets for 3–7 days.
    5. Stay informed – Monitor trusted media, state agencies’ social accounts, and radio stations for updates.
    6. Turn Around, Don’t Drown – Never drive through floodwaters.

    Emergency Alert Radio Stations: WDEL-AM 1150, WDEL-FM 101.7, WCHK-FM 101.3, WWTX-AM 1290, WRDX-FM 92.9, WJWL-AM 900, WDOV-AM 1410, WSTW-FM 93.7, WDDE-FM 91.1, WILM-AM 1450, WDSD-FM 94.7. Boaters should monitor Marine Channel 16

  • Bethany Crest water now safe to drink, cook with following advisory

    Bethany Crest water now safe to drink, cook with following advisory

    Residents of the Bethany Crest community near Millville can now resume normal use of their water following a health advisory was issued last month after testing showed high levels of PFAs.

    Results from samples taken from the water system serving residents of the Bethany Crest community near Millville returned test results that were below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Health Advisory Level (HAL) of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFAS in drinking water.

    Residents may now resume normal use of the water, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and Division of Public Health (DPH) announced this week.

    Following a sampling that found the source water from Bethany Crest water system (before treatment) was near or at the HAL, DNREC and DPH acted quickly to sample the finished drinking water (after treatment) going to residents.

    Samples taken by DNREC showed that an ion exchange treatment that had already been in place for the Bethany Crest water system had been successful in removing PFAS from the community’s drinking water. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH had advised Bethany Crest residents to use bottled water provided by the water system owner for drinking and cooking while the finished water samples were being tested.

    Testing results from an Oct. 23 sampling for PFAS in the Bethany Crest water system showed that the ion exchange treatment had removed PFAS to significantly below the health advisory level of 70 ppt. The results also indicated that while other wells and public water in the area sampled within a one-mile radius of Bethany Crest showed PFAS detections, all were below the EPA health advisory level.

    Bethany Crest is a manufactured housing community with a small water system serving approximately 50 homes. The sampling of source water was collected as part of a proactive screening of public water sources throughout the state being conducted by DNREC.

    DPH is continuing to work with the system owner to identify long-term strategies that can be implemented to ensure the risk to residents does not increase in the future.

    Meanwhile, DNREC’s Remediation section conducted an assessment to identify potential sources of the contamination, and DNREC will open an investigation immediately into locating the source or sources of the PFAS detected in the Bethany Crest water system.

    PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in industry and consumer products. Due to their extensive use in these products over time, PFAS are found in people, wildlife, and fish and are known as “forever chemicals” because some PFAS can stay in people’s bodies a long time and cause health problems with long-term exposure.