DNREC Menu
DNREC and the DHSS Division of Public Health are working with federal agencies to protect the environment and public health in Delaware from the effects of a group of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS.
The state of Delaware now has a Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern and a PFAS Implementation Plan, the first such plan under the framework.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) include thousands of synthetic chemicals including PFOA, PFOS, and GenX. They have been used throughout the world in manufacturing, firefighting, and consumer products since the 1940s.
Delaware state agencies are working together and with partners to study PFAS in drinking water, PFAS in surface waters of the state and PFAS in wastewater systems in Delaware.
The state maintains a list of sites being investigated by DNREC for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, groundwater or surface water in Delaware.
An online course, PFAs Explained: The Science and Solutions in Delaware, provides an overview of the issue and specific guidance for consumers, business owners, researchers and regulators. This interactive learning module provides a clear, plain-language overview of what PFAS are, why they matter and what Delaware is doing to better understand and address them.
If you are interested in learning more about PFAS or additional DNREC training opportunities, please contact dow_concerns@delaware.gov for more information.
DNREC, the Division of Public Health in DHSS and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) have released a Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern and a PFAS Implementation Plan.
The two documents establish a coordinated, science-based approach to identifying, assessing and reducing risks from a broad class of chemicals that threaten Delaware’s environment, drinking water, food supply and public health.
The documents were developed through a collaborative process involving the state agencies, legislators and local leaders. Guiding principles for both include meaningful stakeholder involvement, strategic prioritization of chemicals and actions based on risk and available resources, and an adaptive management approach that allows the state to respond to new science and emerging threats.
The Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern establishes goals for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), which are naturally occurring or human-made substances like PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals and pesticides, that are present in the environment at levels that may pose risks to people and wildlife.
Many CECs lack established regulatory standards, making strategic prioritization and interagency coordination essential to effective action. The framework sets guiding principles, assigns agency roles, establishes performance indicators and commits the state to annual progress updates.
The PFAS Implementation Plan is the first plan released under the Strategic Framework for CECs. It establishes goals for reducing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The Implementation Plan documents key milestones in the state’s response to PFAS and outlines actions across six strategy areas:
Each action in the plan identifies the responsible state agencies, a projected timeline and the rationale for prioritization.
Feedback from the public about the Strategic Framework can be submitted to Delaware_CEC_Strategic_Framework@delaware.gov.
Feedback about the PFAS Implementation Plan can be submitted to Delaware_PFAS_Implementation_Plan@delaware.gov.
In 2025, DNREC conducted the state’s first survey to learn what Delawareans know about PFAS and how they feel about potential risks. The results of the survey show that while many residents are still learning about PFAS, some are already taking steps to reduce exposure. The findings will help DNREC and health partners share clear, science-based information so everyone can make informed choices for their families.
Read the full report: Delaware Residents’ Awareness of and Attitudes Toward PFAS
Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances
Todd Keyser
302-395-2600
Division of Water
Doug Rambo
302-739-9948
Division of Watershed Stewardship
John Cargill
302-739-9939
Office of Drinking Water
Stephen Mann
302-741-8630
Office of Environmental Hazards & Toxicology
Amanda Lacklen
302-744-4727
The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) have reopened a grant opportunity for projects to increase awareness and outreach about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Delaware.
The grants, using Delaware PFAS Settlement Funds, are intended to support several projects statewide with a focus on underserved communities.
A public webinar held on Nov. 6, 2025, recorded and available online, introduces the grant program. There is also a set of questions and answers, covering subjects including the kinds of projects that qualify and what organizations can apply for the grant.
The grant opportunity is open for submissions through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 27.
The email address to submit an application and all supporting documentation is pfas_grants@delaware.gov.
PFAS do not readily break down in the environment and can accumulate in living things. Some toxicological studies have found that exposure to these substances can cause serious health effects.
PFAS are considered “emerging contaminants” by federal environmental and public health regulators. A group of state and federal agencies are investigating PFAS, their sources, and their presence in the environment. This group includes DNREC, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the US Geological Survey (USGS) and the CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
In 2018, the DNREC Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances adopted a policy to define where sampling for PFAS may occur in groundwater and surface water within the state. In 2023, this policy was updated to include other media and add select PFAS as hazardous substances regulated under the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act (HSCA), pertinent aspects of the addition, as well as expectations related to sampling and characterization of these emerging contaminants. (Learn more about the PFAS sampling policy update)
In April of 2024, the EPA adopted a rule to designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) known as Superfund. The designation allows the EPA to investigate and clean up releases of these substances into the environment. A companion policy also directs the EPA to focus on parties that have manufactured PFAS or used PFAS in their manufacturing process. Learn more the EPA PFAS cleanup rule or read the EPA’s PFAS Cleanup rule.
DNREC also lists PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances as well as six other PFAS compounds including:
Related Topics: drinking water, EPA, GenX, groundwater, Health and Safety, HSCA, PFAS, PFOA, superfund, waste and hazardous substances, water filtration, well
Delaware's Governor
State Agencies
Elected Officials
General Assembly
Delaware Courts
State Employees
Cities & Towns
Delaware State Code
State Regulations
Business First Steps
Phone Directory
Locations Directory
Public Meetings
Voting & Elections
Transparency
Health Insurance
Tax Center
Personal Income Tax
Privacy Policy
Weather & Travel
Contact Us
Corporations
Franchise Tax
Gross Receipts Tax
Withholding Tax
Delaware Topics
Help Center
Mobile Apps
E-mail / Text Alerts
Social Media
Built by the Government Information Center
©MMXXVI Delaware.gov
