Inside the DNREC Environmental Laboratory Responsible for Testing for Forever Chemicals and Other Contaminants

When the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control needs to test water samples for contaminants, it turns to its Environmental Laboratory, which has been helping protect the state’s natural resources for 75 years — and will, before long, move into a new home. In this piece, Outdoor Delaware takes you into the lab to elucidate its important duties.

---

Swimming Advisory Caution

The DNREC Recreational Water Program monitors bacterial water quality at established sampling sites throughout the state from May through September. If bacterial sampling results exceed state standards, DNREC issues swimming advisories for Atlantic Ocean beaches, as well as for Delaware Bay beaches south of and including Lewes Beach and for Lake Como in Smyrna.

---

Information About Vibrio Bacteria

Vibrio are bacteria that occur naturally in Delaware’s brackish and marine waters, especially during warm weather months. Vibrio are a normal part of the marine ecosystem, not the result of pollution. Vibrio infections are relatively rare in Delaware and nationwide. Individuals considered at-risk for serious Vibrio infection include small children, senior citizens, and people with

---

Recreational Water Monitoring

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control monitors waterbodies commonly used for swimming and other recreational activities to provide the public with guidance about water quality.

---