DAGSORO, DE. - Residents in Sussex County and Kent County are grappling with the challenges of rusty tap water, turning a simple act like filling a glass with water into a concerning endeavor.
William Hayes, a resident of Diamond Acres, shared his experiences with the water quality issues. "Well, we've been getting a lot of rust out here through the bathrooms, the kitchen. Since I've been here, we've had a problem with the smell of the water here in Diamond Acres and have a lot of rust," said Hayes.
Diamond Acres is just one community among several facing water quality problems, and it stands to benefit from a proposed initiative by the governor John Carney—the Delaware Clean Water Initiative for Underserved Communities. This initiative aims to allocate approximately $50 million to invest in clean water solutions for low-income neighborhoods, along with upgrading wastewater treatment facilities.
For residents like Hayes, this initiative is a ray of hope. Rust not only stains his kitchen and bathroom appliances but also taints the water itself. "You can see some of the rust in the water. The water is like a brownish color. I've never drunk the water, and I've been here 8 years and never drunk the water," expressed Hayes.
The water quality issues have also taken a financial toll on Hayes and his neighbors. "We probably buy probably 3 to 4 cases of water a week," said Hayes, highlighting the extent to which residents are relying on alternative water sources. Additionally, the situation has forced him to seek external facilities for basic chores like laundry. "We have to go to the laundromat because you can't wash white clothes or nothing here."
The Delaware Clean Water Initiative for Underserved Communities comes as a beacon of relief for residents like Hayes, who hope that the proposed funds will address the longstanding water quality concerns, making clean and safe water accessible to all.
The state is accepting public input on improving water quality until Jan. 17.
For a list of the communities click here.