New Castle Utilities

The Municipal Services Commission (MSC) of New Castle is proud to introduce Efficiency Smart, an energy conservation program offering incentives and rebates for residents looking to reduce their electrical consumption. MSC customers can visit www.efficiencysmart.org/new-castle-Delaware to discover product rebates, complimentary meter loans, discounted products, and expert assistance.

By utilizing these resources, homeowners can significantly decrease energy usage and lower monthly bills. For instance, residents who:
• Replace 10 frequently used light bulbs with LEDs could save approximately $100 annually
• Use advanced power strips for appliances and electronics could reduce costs by up to $100 yearly
• Install a programmable thermostat could save around $70 on annual electric expenses

Business customers also have numerous energy-saving opportunities. Small to mid-sized companies using up to 500,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually can access over 90 standardized rebates through Efficiency Smart's Business Energy Rebates program for common efficiency improvements including lighting, compressed air systems, food service equipment, and HVAC upgrades.

Larger businesses consuming more than 500,000 kWh yearly receive tailored services with dedicated account management, custom financial incentives, and technical guidance through Efficiency Smart's Customized program. For details, visit the MSC's Efficiency Smart webpage or call 1-877-889-3777.

The MSC has scheduled the replacement of 320 feet of 125-year-old 6" cast iron water main and 21 water services on Gray Street between 9th and 10th Streets, coordinating with the Town's paving project. This infrastructure upgrade will begin in June 2018 and take approximately two months to complete, resulting in improved water quality, system reliability, and fire flow capacity for area residents.

The MSC is committed to providing reliable, high-quality municipal water. This Consumer Confidence Report follows requirements set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and Delaware Division of Public Health, covering the period from January 1 through December 31, 2017.

New Castle's water comes from the Potomac Aquifer, a confined aquifer with natural filtering properties that help protect customers from contaminants. The Division of Public Health has conducted a Source Water assessment for the city's water system. For a copy, please contact Commission General Manager Pam Patone at 302-221-4513 or review it online at delawaresourcewater.org/assessments.

Water contaminants can originate from various sources:
• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants including salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set limits for bottled water. All drinking water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Infants exposed to lead above the Action Level may experience developmental delays, while children might show slight attention deficits and learning difficulties. Adults with long-term exposure risk kidney problems and hypertension.

Lead primarily enters drinking water through service line materials and household plumbing components. While the MSC provides quality water, it cannot control plumbing materials used in homes. When water sits in pipes for several hours, flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking can minimize lead exposure.

Some individuals may be particularly vulnerable to water contaminants, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants. These individuals should seek medical advice about their drinking water.

The MSC conducts comprehensive testing beyond minimum requirements. The Commission has partnered with DNREC to test for potential contaminants from nearby landfills, and although EPA and Delaware haven't established Radon monitoring requirements, the MSC has proactively tested for Radon in its source water.

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