Delaware
University of Delaware study IDs 2,000 century-old lead pipes in Wilmington
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Hidden beneath Wilmington’s streets for nearly a century, lead pipes have quietly carried water through thousands of homes. But thanks to a recent effort led by University of Delaware researchers and students, the city now has a clearer picture of how widespread the old pipes are, and what needs to happen next.
A team of environmental engineering students, working under Gerald Kauffman, director of the University of Delaware Water Resources Center, conducted careful research into historic city records.
“Out of the 70,000 [connections], the bottom line is working with the city’s consultant, the city’s Department of Public Works and the students, they found that 2,000 of the pipes of the 70,000 are lead,” Kauffman said.
The findings mark a crucial step in identifying and replacing hazardous pipes that could pose health risks to residents.
The unfortunate legacy of lead, why these pipes still exist
The use of lead in water pipes dates back to the late 19th century, when it was a preferred material due to its durability and flexibility.
“Going back to the first water pipes that were actually installed in Wilmington in the late 19th century before the turn of the 20th, many of the pipes were lead. That was a material that was easily molded, and little was known about the health effects,” he said.
Congress banned the use of lead pipes in new construction in 1986. But older cities — particularly in the Northeast — still have remnants of these outdated systems. Last year, the Biden administration issued new rules through the EPA that would require old lead pipes to be replaced.
Most modern homes and renovations now use safer materials like copper, while older neighborhoods remain at risk.
Exposure to lead in drinking water has been linked to serious health issues in a child’s development, including neurological damage. Kauffman pointed out examples like the Flint Michigan’s water crisis that underscored the dangers of lead contamination, making identification and replacement of these pipes a high priority.
How UD students helped map Wilmington’s lead problem
The project began when Wilmington’s Department of Public Works approached the University of Delaware Resources Center for assistance. Using decades-old, handwritten public records, students worked to identify where lead pipes were most likely located.
“The idea was to go through the maps that the city has, and we have GIS maps in our office in Newark, and go through all the repair books, the plumbers, the inspectors that the city would send out to work with the homeowners to fix the pipes,” Kauffman said, describing it as a tedious process. “This is physically pouring through these old, handwritten plumbing repair records, and cursive writing and abbreviations … some of these go back to 1926.”
The findings were significant — not just in scale, but in their impact on cost-saving efforts. Instead of the city having to dig up lawns and streets to locate lead pipes manually, the students’ work provided a targeted list of affected homes.
“My estimate is that the students saved the city about $15 million,” he said.
The Delaware Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Monday, April 20, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from April 20 drawing
09-17-36-47-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play 3 numbers from April 20 drawing
Day: 2-2-8
Night: 4-8-2
Check Play 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play 4 numbers from April 20 drawing
Day: 5-8-5-9
Night: 8-8-4-8
Check Play 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Multi-Win Lotto numbers from April 20 drawing
02-04-06-10-11-25
Check Multi-Win Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from April 20 drawing
05-07-31-41-43, Star Ball: 07, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Play 5 numbers from April 20 drawing
Day: 1-5-6-0-1
Night: 0-6-7-5-5
Check Play 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky?Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
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Sign the Ticket: Establish legal ownership by signing the back of your ticket with an ink pen.
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Prizes up to $599: Claim at any Delaware Lottery Retailer, in person at the Delaware Lottery Office, or mail your signed ticket and claim form; print your name/address on the ticket’s back and keep a copy/photo for records. By mail, send original tickets and documentation to: Delaware Lottery, 1575 McKee Road, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904.
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Prizes up to $2,500: Claim in person at Delaware Lottery Retailer Claim Centers throughout Kent, Sussex and New Castle Counties.
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Prizes of $5,001 or more: Claim in person at the Delaware Lottery Office (business days 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with a photo ID and Social Security card.
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For all prize claims, directions to the Delaware Lottery Office are available online or via mapquest.com for a map.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Delaware Lottery.
Can I claim a jackpot prize anonymously in Delaware?
Fortunately for First State residents, the Delaware Lottery allows winners remain anonymous. Unlike many other states that require a prize be over a certain jackpot, Delawareans can remain anonymous no matter how much, or how little, they win.
How long do I have to claim my prize in Delaware?
Tickets are valid for up to one year past the drawing date for drawing game prizes or within one year of the announced end of sales for Instant Games, according to delottery.com.
When are the Delaware Lottery drawings held?
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Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
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Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
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Play 3, 4: Daily at 1:58 p.m. and 7:57 p.m., except Sunday afternoon.
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Multi-Win Lotto: 7:57 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
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Lucky for Life: Daily at 10:38 p.m.
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Lotto America: 11:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
Missed a draw?Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Delaware Online digital operations manager. You can send feedback using this form.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware Lottery Powerball, Play 3 Day winning numbers for April 20, 2026
MUNCIE, IN — Five individuals and one organization were recognized for their contributions to Delaware County during the annual ViVA (Very Important Volunteer Award) luncheon on April 14, according to a community announcement.
The event, hosted by the Muncie Noon Rotary Club in partnership with the Muncie Sunrise Rotary Club, has been a tradition since 1993. The ViVA Awards celebrate those who dedicate their time and resources to uplift the community.
Vickie Armstrong Oliver, Ken Glaub, Dottie Kreps and Beth Kroehler each received individual ViVA Awards for their volunteer efforts and commitment to various causes.
The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association was presented with the 2026 ViVA Organizational Award. Since 1995, the association has supported the high school through philanthropy and historical preservation.
The association has awarded more than $76,000 in scholarships to seniors and nearly $39,000 in teacher grants. It has also financed various campus needs, including the restoration of the school’s Abraham Lincoln statue. The board maintains a public Memorabilia Room to preserve the school’s legacy.
Linda Gregory received the Edmund F. Ball Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong dedication to service in the community.
The ViVA Awards luncheon served as a reminder of the generosity and compassion that define Delaware County’s volunteer heritage, according to the announcement.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
The Delaware Marathon Run Fest on Sunday ended with a photo finish that proved nothing is over until it’s over.
In a video taken by the Instagram user @aktiv8edleem and shared with NBC10, a runner is seen jogging in the lead with his arms raised as if he’s won. But then, another man sprints up the final stretch and passes him for the win.
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