Sewer Break Discharges Water Into St. Jones River Near Dover

Public Advised to Avoid Length of River from Dover to Bowers Until Wastewater Spill is Dispersed

The Kent County Levy Court Public Works is currently addressing a force main break, causing wastewater to flow into the St. Jones River. The public should avoid contact with the water in the St. Jones at the area of the leak.

Kent County Levy Court Public Works is working into the night with environmental contractors to repair the main, with staff from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control onsite assessing the situation. While one of the largest water lines in the county is shut down for repairs to the sanitary sewage system, residents should limit water usage to consumption only, such as for cooking, drinking water, using the toilet, or dripping water to prevent pipes from freezing.

The sewer overflow – which occurred when the force main ruptured near Kent County’s pumping station along its Puncheon Run line – was reported to DNREC in the afternoon of Wednesday, February 17, 2021. DNREC Division of Water and Levy Court wastewater staff are accessing the area of the St. Jones River impacted by today’s spill to assess the situation there as well.

For concerns and emergency questions, the public may contact the DNREC Environmental Crimes Unit at 800-662-8802.

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~ DNREC