French-based water supplier Veolia Water Delaware released a boil water advisory after a large water main break on Darley Road in Claymont. A public notice was released around 2:05 p.m. and can be found on the company’s website. The company said customers were notified by phone, text and email.
Veolia Water Delaware said late this morning, it was alerted to a large water main break on Darley Road affecting areas of Claymont, including Hillendale, Ashbourne Hills and Carpenter. Emergency crews responded to the alert and are attempting to repair the break.
The water supplier said it has issued a boil water advisory for approximately 2,000 customers located in the highlighted map below. Veolia asks that these customers boil their water until further notice.
This announcement comes days following the announcement of another water main break in the lower Delaware County, PA and North Wilmington areas.
Updates are being reported on the water utility company’s website and social media channels. Veolia Water Delaware is responsible for serving more than 100,000 residents in Delaware, according to its website.
How to boil water
Veolia Water Delaware is warning customers that water coming from the tap may be contaminated with disease-causing organisms including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Customers should use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and food preparation until further notice. To use properly treated tap water, they advise:
- bring all water to a rolling boil
- let it boil for one minute
- let it cool before using
Untreated water can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches.
Veolia acquired New Jersey-based water service company Suez last June. It claims the deal made it the leading environmental services company in North America. In April 2021, Suez announced it was making $11.4 million to maintain and improve its water system in Delaware.
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