Sussex Shores Water Company

Sussex Shores Water Company currently draws its water from groundwater sources including four 185-foot deep wells tapping the Pocomoke aquifer and four additional wells in the Columbia development. These wells utilize the natural filtration properties of the aquifer to eliminate bacteria and other naturally occurring compounds from the water supply.

The water treatment facilities employ cutting-edge technology to deliver premium quality water. Most wells are situated in confined aquifers, which naturally protect the water quality from surface contaminants, agricultural impacts, and saltwater intrusion. SSWC is committed to providing families with high-quality municipal water and reliable service every day of the year.

The Delaware Division of Public Health, working with The Delaware Division of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), has conducted source water assessments for all community water systems statewide. According to DNREC's findings, there exists elevated susceptibility to nutrients, pathogens, petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, PCBs, and various organic/inorganic compounds and metals. For a copy of this assessment, contact SSWC at (302) 539-8044 or visit: http://delawaresourcewater.org/assessments/

Municipal Water vs. Bottled Water:
To ensure tap water safety, EPA establishes specific limits on contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations set limits for contaminants in bottled water, providing equivalent public health protection. All water sources, including bottled water, naturally contain some level of contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and radioactive material while potentially picking up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) occurring naturally or from urban runoff, industrial wastewater, oil/gas production, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants, either naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining operations

For information on reducing Cryptosporidium contamination risk, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

General FAQs

1. How do I obtain a parking permit?
2. When can I have my fingerprints taken?
3. Where can I find information on sanitation, recycling, and the solid waste collection center?
4. How do I set up Electric Utilities?
5. How do I apply to ride-along with law enforcement officers?
6. When is a building permit required?