United Water's flushing program is run every six months to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality drinking water. Flushing is one of the most powerful tools available to water utilities for maintaining distribution system water quality. It is part of a comprehensive 3-step approach to treating water to meet all safe drinking water standards starting at the water's source, during the treatment process and finally in the distributions system. Flushing also enhances fire protection by ensuring that hydrants are in working order throughout the neighborhoods we serve.
United Water flushes water hydrants bi-annually, in the Spring we usually begin in March and in the Fall we usually begin in September.
For more information please call our Customer Service Center in DE at 302 633 5900 or in PA at 610 497 8886.
2006 Christina River Clean Up!
The 2006 the Christina River Watershed Clean Up will be held on Saturday, April 1st, 2006 from 8:00am until 12:00pm. To get more information on the 2006 clean up visit the Christina Clean Up website at; www.snc-safe-t-works.com/14th_annual_christina_river_clea.htm. We hope to see YOU there!
Delaware Stream Watch
Delaware's streams and rivers need your help. Delaware Stream Watch
is a grassroots volunteer waterway protection program focusing on
citizen involvement through monitoring, education, and advocacy.
Co-sponsored by the Delaware Nature Society and the Delaware Department
of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Stream Watch
represents a unique partnership of government, environmental interests,
and industry. United Water Delaware is a supporting sponsor for the
Delaware Stream Watch program.
To learn more about the program and training workshops,
visit www.delawarenaturesociety.org/anc-fall.htm,
or contact the Delaware Nature Society Stream Watch Coordinator at
the Nature Society's Ashland Nature Center 302 239 2334, ext. 36; or
email stream@dnsashland.org.
A slide presentation about the stream watch program can be arranged
for groups. At DNREC, contact the Citizens Monitoring Coordinator 302
739 4590 or e-mail pburbage@dnrec.state.de.us.
Smartyards Provide Wildlife Habitat and Conserve Resources
Register now for 1 of 50 free Smartyard landscaping packages to be awarded in May 2006. Participants receive a free landscaping package that includes: a variety of native trees, shrubs, and perennials; a bird feeder, nesting box, and bird bath; one-on-one assistance from Delaware Nature Society trained Habitat Stewards; planning and installation guidelines to ensure proper placement and maintenance of plants; rain barrel; certification as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ through the Delaware Nature Society's Backyard Habitat program; and a yard sign to help inspire others in the community.
All residents within the Delaware portion of the Christina Basin Watershed are eligible for the "Smartyards" program. The watershed is composed of four sub-basins — the White Clay Creek, Red Clay Creek, Brandywine River, and Christina River — and in Delaware includes the boroughs and cities of Elsmere, Newark, Newport, and Wilmington. Community open space parcels are not appropriate for this project. Smartyards awardees must meet watershed criteria; packages will then be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
With an emphasis on native plant species, Smartyards provide habitat for a greater diversity of wildlife species, reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizer and pesticide applications, and conserve water resources more than traditional turf grass landscapes.
To apply, submit your name, physical address and phone number to the Delaware Nature Society by email to smartyards@delawarenaturesociety.org or telephone at 302-239-2334 ext. 142. For more information visit www.delawarenaturesociety.org.
Christina Basin Smartyards is offered by Delaware Nature Society and Christina Basin Clean Water Partnership. Funding for this project made possible through the national watershed initiative grant program.
Habitat Steward Training
Do you enjoy spending time outside? Would you like to learn more about our natural environment and help others do the same? Become a Habitat Steward.
As volunteers for the Delaware Nature Society, Stewards aim to create more habitat for native wildlife, cultivate an appreciation for native plants and animals, and improve water quality in our watersheds. Stewards lend a helping hand to their neighbors, local schools, businesses, and places of worship to help them attain Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ certification. This process may include inventorying potential wildlife habitat areas, selecting appropriate native plants, helping others improve their gardening skills or providing hands-on learning opportunities for students by working with local schools to create outdoor, living classrooms.
No experience or expertise required. All you need is a strong interest in the natural world, a desire to protect our environment, and a willingness to help others. The Delaware Nature Society provides Backyard Habitat training workshops and programs throughout the year to ensure Habitat Stewards are prepared to assist their community members. These programs include opportunities to visit local habitats and natural areas to learn about wildlife gardening and native flora and fauna.
A fee of $52 for Nature Society members, $62 for non-members, covers cost of a resource notebook, refreshments and lunches and transportation to field trip destinations plus four supplement training programs. For more information contact John Harrod, Backyard Habitat Coordinator, 302-239-2334 ext. 142, john@delawarenaturesociety.org.
