Georgetown, Del., May 17, 2007: Sussex County government will host a public workshop this month to solicit comments and discussion on a proposed Source Water Protection ordinance, which, if adopted, would set new rules for land uses in areas of importance to the county’s drinking water supply.

Source water protection is an effort that requires local governments to take steps to protect public drinking water quality. By state law, counties must adopt regulations for land uses in places identified for public drinking wells, or considered excellent groundwater recharge areas.

Sussex County Council in 2005 appointed a technical and citizens’ advisory committee to formulate such an ordinance. The committee’s draft ordinance will be discussed at the workshop. No action will be taken, however. Final authority rests with the County Council.

Citizens are invited to attend the workshop, to be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, 2007. The session will be held inside the County Council chambers of the Administrative Offices Building, 2 The Circle, in Georgetown.

To review the draft ordinance and to research potentially affected properties, go to sussexcountyde.gov and click on “Source Water Protection Program” located on the main page.