Water Department

Services/Responsibilities

The water department insures the consistent flow of clean drinking water that meets all federal and state guidelines to approximately 6,000 customers. The department performs daily water quality checks and provides timely repair of water system breaks and failures. In addition, water department staff members take water usage readings from residential and commercial locations each water billing period.

Contact the water department

For water cut-offs (emergency or non-emergency), billing, and change of property inquiries call 302-227-6181, ext. 159, during normal business hours, 8:30 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday. For after-hours emergencies, call 302-227-2577.

Cross-connection control program

Recent state legislation requires that the city's water department establish a cross-connection control program and that many water customers, both commercial and residential, have their cross-connections and backflow preventers inspected annually by certified testers - at the customer's expense. The City of Rehoboth Beach will implement its cross-connection control program in 2024, focusing on commercial customers and residential customers who have been deemed a high hazard due to the presence of an irrigation system, swimming pool, or other potential backflow hazard.

The ultimate goal of the program is to ensure safe drinking water for everyone. The city is working with HydroCorp to implement its cross-connection control program. HydroCorp has developed a cross-connection webpage that provides a video about the program, FAQs, a list of certified testers, and a brochure with additional information.

Lead and Copper Rule improvements

In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency revised its Lead and Copper Rule to better protect children and communities from risks related to lead exposure in drinking water. Find out more about improvements the City of Rehoboth Beach is implementing and see the city's current federally mandated water system inventory here.