Lewes’ new potable water treatment plant takes shape

A new water plant under construction at the City of Lewes’ well field adjacent to Cape Henlopen High School, is 25 percent complete and is on schedule to begin operating in July.

The $1.7 million Lewes Board of Public Works project will replace the city’s more than 70-year-old water treatment plant that no longer meets reliability standards, said Darrin Gordon, BPW general manager.

At the plant, chlorine, fluoride and substances to adjust acidity are added to water before it is pumped into the Lewes water tower on Schley Avenue.

Plant construction started in December and underground plumbing and concrete sub flooring have been finished; and wall construction has begun.

Gordon said although Sudlesrville, Md.-based contractor Bearing Construction has had a few bad weather days, the project should finish on schedule,

He said the new facility would use energy-saving, high-efficiency pumps, motors and controls linked to a computer that provides remote system monitoring and operation.