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.

DNREC tests for Enterococcus bacteria, harmless bacteria that can indicate the presence of other bacteria and viruses that may cause illness. The results of these tests are available on an interactive Recreational Water Monitoring Map and through an email alert system.

Join the Recreational Water Quality email list to get alerts directly. Send a blank email (no subject line and no signature) to listserv@listserv.delaware.gov with only the following in the body of the email: “Subscribe DNREC_BEACH_MONITORING Your Name” and we’ll add you to the list.

Historical sampling results show that Delaware ocean beaches are very clean while water quality in the Inland Bays and other waterbodies can vary.

While healthy people rarely get serious infections, it is important to be aware of risks swimming in any natural waterbody. Illness is most commonly caused by accidental swallowing of small amounts of water during swimming or other activities in the water recreation or due to exposure to open wounds.

For more information, please contact the DNREC Recreational Water Program, at 302-739-9939.

Delaware’s Testing Approach

From mid-May through mid-September, DNREC samples beaches throughout the state on a weekly or semi-weekly basis to determine whether bacteria levels exceed standards that indicate an elevated risk of illness.

Sampling Results are Guidance

Sampling results are intended to provide guidance about water quality, not serve as an indicator of whether it is safe or unsafe to swim at a specific moment in time.

Illnesses from recreation in natural waters are rare and are generally of most significant concern to those in the at-risk group. DNREC monitors bacteria levels to empower residents and visitors to balance risks with the benefits of enjoying Delaware’s beautiful beaches.

Learn more about recreational water monitoring on the EPA Beaches page. 

Related Topics:  assessment, clean water, outdoors and recreation, recreational water quality, testing, water, water quality, watershed, watershed stewardship