Water Supply Coordinating Council

The current Water Supply Coordinating Council was established by the Delaware General Assembly (7 Del. Code Chapter 75A) to manage, protect, and ensure the adequacy of a clean water supply throughout Delaware. The

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Total Maximum Daily Loads and Advance Restoration Plans

When monitoring reveals that waterways do not meet Delaware’s water quality standards for their intended uses, as defined in Delaware’s Surface Water Quality Standards, they are added to a list of impaired waterways (Delaware’s 303(d) List). For each impaired waterway, the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires states to develop Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs)

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Division of Watershed Stewardship

The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship manages and protects the state’s soil, water and coastlines. It uses a comprehensive array of watershed-based programs to ensure proper stewardship of Delaware’s natural resources. Watershed Assessment and Management

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Source Water Assessment and Protection

The Source Water Assessment and Protection Program provides for the assessment and protection of sources of public drinking water from both surface water and groundwater sources in Delaware.    Water Supply and Allocations     

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Water Allocation Permitting

A water allocation permit is required for all major water withdrawals under the Regulations Governing the Allocation of Water (7 DE Admin. Code 7303). The Division of Water publishes applications forms (with instructions and guidance) for Irrigation Allocations and Public Water Allocations. A separate permit is required for water impoundments.

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Water Use Reporting

Water allocation permit holders in Delaware are required to record and report water usage each year. These reports are used by the Division of Water in long-term water supply planning and water conservation efforts. Public, industrial, irrigation, golf course, and commercial users report monthly production for each water facility (well

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Vibrio Control Plans

Vibrio is a naturally occurring bacteria present in high levels in seawater when temperatures are warm. It can cause serious illness in humans. The National Shellfish Sanitation Program requires Delaware to implement plans to reduce the risk of Vibrio illnesses from oysters harvested in Delaware. Vibrio — Vibrio parahaemolyticus (V.p.) — can

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Wetlands and Subaqueous Lands Permits

Authorization from the DNREC Wetlands and Waterways Section is required for activities in tidal wetlands or in tidal and non-tidal waters in the State of Delaware. The Section issues various types of authorizations depending upon the location and type of activity proposed. [panel type=”success” heading=”Contact Us”

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What’s Regulated?

The state regulates activities in tidal wetlands and in tidal and non-tidal waters in the State of Delaware. Wetlands in Delaware are regulated under the Delaware Wetland Regulations (7 DE Admin. Code 7502), the Regulations Governing the Use of Subaqueous Lands (7 DE Admin. Code 7504) and the

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State Regulated Wetlands Map Index

To determine if you have state-regulated tidal wetlands on your property, browse or search the index map to find and download maps of state-regulated wetlands. [giciframe

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Are There Wetlands on My Property?

The State of Delaware and the federal government both have laws and regulations that govern wetlands, but they use different methods for determining the location and extent of the wetlands they regulate. You

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Well and Water Use Permit Data

The DNREC Division of Water maintains a database of water well and water use data derived from permit applications, reports from permit holders and well completion and abandonment reports. Data are available for use by the regulated community, intergovernmental partners and the public. A full listing of past, present and

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Construction of Monitor and Observation Wells

Monitor and observation wells constructed in Delaware must conform to the requirements of the Delaware Regulations Governing the Construction and Use of

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Water Supply Assessment and Protection

The DNREC Division of Water oversees major water withdrawals, greater than 50,000 gallons per day, from any surface water or groundwater source in Delaware. It permits and allocates withdrawals through the Water Supply Assessment and Protection (WSAP) program. The Division permits water allocations under the Regulations Governing the Allocation of

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Board of Certification for Wastewater Operators

The Board of Certification For Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities was created to advise and assist the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control in the administration of the Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator certification program.

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Wastewater Operator Certification

All wastewater treatment facilities in Delaware must be operated under the direct supervision of a Delaware Licensed Wastewater Operator. Digital DNREC Div. of Water

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Industrial Stormwater Runoff

The Industrial Storm Water Permitting Program is designed to prevent the contamination of storm water runoff from a facility by properly handling and storing materials. The Industrial Storm Water Permitting Program operates under the

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Aquatic Pesticides

The application of pesticides onto Delaware surface water requires a permit from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Permits for this activity are part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

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Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO)

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Department of Agriculture jointly manage the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) NPDES permitting program.

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Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems

Stormwater runoff from urban and industrial areas can contain harmful pollutants. To help keep these pollutants from being washed or dumped into surface waters, operators of municipal separate storm sewer systems (known as MS4s) must get a permit and develop a stormwater management program. [panel type=”success” heading=”Contact

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Individual NPDES Permits

An individual NPDES permit is tailored to a specific discharge and location. These are typically outfalls from municipal sewage treatment facilities or industrial plants that discharge to surface waters of Delaware. The NPDES permit specifies limitations, monitoring requirements, and other terms and conditions that the permittee must meet in order to be allowed to discharge.

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National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulates point sources that discharge pollutants into the state’s surface water bodies. It helps ensure that the state’s water bodies can meet their designated uses, such as providing drinking water, being safe for swimming or fishing, or supporting aquatic life.

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Land Treatment of Waste

Solids generated in the treatment of sanitary wastewater are known as biosolids. Solids generated in the treatment of wastewater without a sanitary component are known as non-hazardous waste residuals. These solid products may be permitted for land application as a fertilizer and for other end uses. [panel type=”success”

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Underground Injection Control

The Division of Water reviews and permits the use of underground injection wells in Delaware.

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Spray Irrigation Program Resources

This page provides a general interpretation of existing methods for designing spray irrigation facilities, and also considers the relative effectiveness and limitations of these facilities. Online Applications Div. of Water

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Groundwater Discharge Licenses

The DNREC Division of Water issues licenses for the various professions involved in designing, installing and maintaining on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems. Licenses are granted under the state’s on-site systems regulations and with input from the On-Site Systems Advisory Board. Div. of

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Water Well Licensing Board

The Water Well Licensing Board advises and assists the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) in the administration of the Water Well Licensing program.

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On-Site Systems Advisory Board

The On-Site Systems Advisory Board advises the Department on the groundwater discharges licensing program. The Board, created in the on-site systems regulations (7 DE Admin. Code, 7101), reviews and approves professional training requirements and courses and makes recommendations for licensing decisions by the Department. [panel type=”success” heading=”Contact Us”

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Online Application Submission

The DNREC Division of Water offers online application submission through the Digital DNREC ePermitting system. All Division of Water licenses can be applied for online. Permit applications

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DNREC Division of Water

The DNREC Division of Water manages and protects Delaware’s water resources. It performs applied research and provides technical assistance, laboratory services, and regulatory guidance and implementation. Residential Services The Residential Services Section serves property owners,

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Clean Water Trust Oversight Committee

The Clean Water Trust Oversight Committee oversees the Delaware Clean Water Trust and works to coordinate state programs that impact the quality of the State’s water resources. It serves in an advisory capacity to the Governor and the General Assembly.

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