Water quality is a key element in planning for a healthy blue environment. Clean water supports the survival of marine life, sustains critical habitats and ensures safe conditions for recreation and fisheries. Poor water quality, caused by pollutants, excess nutrients or acidification, can lead to harmful algal blooms, habitat degradation and reduced survival in marine organisms. Maintaining and improving water quality is essential for the long-term health and resilience of marine ecosystems.

Wastewater Outfalls

In Delaware, treated wastewater is released into nearby waters at designated outfall locations, following strict environmental regulations to protect water quality.

There are two such outfall sites off Delaware’s coast, one off the coast of Rehoboth Beach and another off Bethany Beach, connected to local wastewater treatment plants.

These discharges are monitored, and pollutant reports (Rehoboth Beach and South Coastal) are maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Spatial Extent: Atlantic Ocean – Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach

Temporal Pattern: Year round

Learn more about wastewater outfalls in the Baseline Characterization of Uses and Resources Final Report

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