Delaware PFAS Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan
Summary
DNREC released Delaware's Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern alongside the state's first PFAS Implementation Plan. The framework establishes a coordinated approach to identifying, monitoring, and addressing PFAS contamination across Delaware's water supply and environment. This marks Delaware's initial comprehensive regulatory strategy specifically targeting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
What changed
Delaware DNREC announced the state's Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern and its inaugural PFAS Implementation Plan on March 31, 2026. The framework creates a structured approach for addressing PFAS contamination, including coordination among state agencies, monitoring protocols, and response strategies for affected communities and water systems. The implementation plan establishes priorities for PFAS assessment and remediation statewide.
Regulated entities in Delaware, particularly industrial facilities, water utilities, and manufacturers potentially contributing to PFAS contamination, should monitor DNREC's implementation activities. The framework signals increased regulatory attention on PFAS sources and may lead to future monitoring requirements or remediation obligations. Entities should review their operations for potential PFAS sources and prepare for anticipated DNREC guidance on testing and reporting.
What to do next
- Review the PFAS Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan for applicability to your operations
- Assess facilities for potential PFAS sources and document current handling practices
- Monitor DNREC for forthcoming guidance on PFAS monitoring and reporting requirements
Source document (simplified)
NEWS FEED
Historical and Cultural Affairs Presents Arts & Education Programs for the Month of April
Date Posted: April 1, 2026
Governor Meyer Names Updated Delaware Interfaith Council
Date Posted: April 1, 2026
Smyrna State Service Center Relocating to New Location on DHCI Campus
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Announces Deputy Director and PIO Appointments
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
Los Líderes De Delaware Instan a Los Residentes a Conocer Sus Derechos
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
Delaware Leaders Encourage Residents to Know Their Rights
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
Delaware Releases Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern and First PFAS Implementation Plan
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
Turkey Hunting Season to Offer an Extra Day; Season Opens April 4 and 5 with Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunts
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
H.B. du Pont Middle School Students Crowned 2026 Solar Racer Champions
Date Posted: March 30, 2026
Lewes Fire
Date Posted: March 30, 2026
Delaware Veterans Connect, Create, and Showcase Their Work Through Free Statewide Art Classes
Date Posted: March 30, 2026
Take A Kid Fishing! Program Returns for Special Spring Break Dates
Date Posted: March 30, 2026
Electronic Red-Light Safety Program Adds 15 Locations
Date Posted: March 27, 2026
Court rules with State, clears way for offshore wind substation critical to Delaware’s energy future
Date Posted: March 27, 2026
Wilmington Fire
Date Posted: March 26, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Expands Delaware LGBTQ+ Commission
Date Posted: March 26, 2026
Emergency Sirens Test on Tuesday, April 7
Date Posted: March 25, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Announces Major Broadband Milestone for Delaware
Date Posted: March 25, 2026
Seventeen Officers Complete POST Instructor Course
Date Posted: March 25, 2026
Visit Delaware Releases Updated Travel Guide
Date Posted: March 24, 2026
Governor Meyer Orders Lowering of Flags to Honor Former State Senator Nancy Cook
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
DOJ announces arrest of Delmar officer in stalking, sexual contact investigations
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Winners
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
DE250 Invites Public to “Celebrate Delaware” at Hotel Du Pont
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to Reopen April 1
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
DOJ secures life sentences, additional time for two men involved in the murder of Shiheem Durham
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay Sits Down with Small Business Leaders Across the State
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
DSHA kicks off healthy heart programming for residents
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
Potassium Iodide Distribution on April 2 in Middletown
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
Felton Fire
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
Results of OHS’ St. Patrick’s Day Weekend DUI Checkpoint and Sober Rides Program
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
Delaware Senators Move One Step Closer to Protecting Civil Rights for Individuals with Disabilities
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
BASSE Charter to close in June
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
Delaware Launches New Statewide AI Training for State Employees
Date Posted: March 19, 2026
DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section Set to Spray Woodland Pool Habitats
Date Posted: March 17, 2026
DNREC, DEMA to Sponsor Delaware Flood Awareness Week March 16 to 20
Date Posted: March 16, 2026
Public Advocate Names New Deputy and Key Staff to Strengthen Consumer Advocacy
Date Posted: March 16, 2026
DOJ secures convictions in the murder of Marell Lowe
Date Posted: March 16, 2026
Controlled Burn to be Scheduled at Brandywine Creek State Park
Date Posted: March 16, 2026
Governor Meyer Celebrates 125 Years of Delaware Libraries
Date Posted: March 13, 2026
Bring Your Family History to Life at the Archives’ Community Digitization Days
Date Posted: March 13, 2026
Registration Now Open for DNREC-Sponsored Christina River Watershed Cleanup
Date Posted: March 13, 2026
Delaware accelerates statewide early literacy strategy with more than $8m to strengthen classroom reading instruction
Date Posted: March 12, 2026
Upstate Trout Season to Open in New Castle County Streams with Youth-Only Day Set for April 4
Date Posted: March 12, 2026
Delaware Division of the Arts Seeks Public Input in New Statewide Strategic Planning Process
Date Posted: March 11, 2026
Delaware Bay Barge Fire Declared Under Control
Date Posted: March 11, 2026
DNREC Announces 2025-‘26 Deer Harvest Totals, Launches New Interactive Game Harvest Dashboard
Date Posted: March 11, 2026
Suspicious Package Prompts Investigation at Dover DMV
Date Posted: March 10, 2026
Delaware Bay Barge Fire
Date Posted: March 10, 2026
Property Reassessment & Your Insurance: What Really Drives Premium Costs
Date Posted: March 10, 2026
Amid Hints of Spring, DNREC Reminds Delawareans of Yard Waste Options, Including Beneficial Reuse
Date Posted: March 10, 2026
Capitol Police Seeks Public Comment on Assessment
Date Posted: March 9, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Returns from India Trade Mission with New Investment and Innovation Opportunities
Date Posted: March 9, 2026
DNREC Now Soliciting Community Water Quality Improvement Grant Project Proposals
Date Posted: March 9, 2026
Two Cape Henlopen Trails to Close for Repairs
Date Posted: March 6, 2026
DelDOT Accepting Applications for TAP Community Projects
Date Posted: March 6, 2026
Delaware Officials Highlight DTRN360, Innovative Behavioral Health Care Coordination Platform
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to stop latest round of illegal tariffs
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Delaware Policy Leaders Take Aim at Primary Care Reform, Health Care Affordability
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Delaware students attend U.S. premiere of Glory Ride
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Women and Tavern Keeping on the Dover Green at the Archives’ March First Saturday Program
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Wilmington DMV Appointment System Now Open
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Smyrna Building Fire
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer Proclaims March 9-13, 2026 Severe Weather Awareness Week
Date Posted: March 4, 2026
DNREC to Resume Sand Bypass Operations At Indian River Inlet After Signing Contract With First State Crane Service
Date Posted: March 4, 2026
The Mezzanine Gallery presents Tanya Bracey’s “Community”
Date Posted: March 4, 2026
DSB Launches Online Form to Nominate New Opportunity Zone Census Tracts
Date Posted: March 4, 2026
Attention Ag Insurance Agents: Subsidy issues subject of Monday, March 9 virtual Q&A with USDA Risk Management Agency
Date Posted: March 3, 2026
AG Jennings intervenes in USPS case that would allow guns to be mailed with virtually no limits
Date Posted: March 3, 2026
Delaware Department of Education sets measurable targets to accelerate student achievement statewide
Date Posted: March 3, 2026
AG Jennings blocks another Trump Admin attempt to defund SNAP, collect personal data
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
March 1-7 is Weights and Measures Week in Delaware
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
Delaware Entradas a las fiestas para ver los partidos de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 saldrán
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
DE Tourism Announces Watch Party Ticket Sales Launch March 5
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
Delaware Lt. Gov Gay, Education Secretary Marten celebrate 302 Day with fourth graders
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
DOJ Recognizes National Consumer Protection Week
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
Leipsic House Fire
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
DOJ obtains prison sentence for fatal 2022 shooting
Date Posted: February 27, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Issues Statement on the Unanimous Upholding of Senate Bill 21 by the Delaware Supreme Court
Date Posted: February 27, 2026
DSHA announces participants in zoning and land use reform pilot program
Date Posted: February 27, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Signs Executive Order Streamlining State Permitting Regulations
Date Posted: February 26, 2026
DSB Prepares to Deploy Next $20M in SSBCI Funding
Date Posted: February 26, 2026
DNREC Closes The Point at Cape Henlopen March 1 to Protect Nesting, Migrating Birds
Date Posted: February 26, 2026
Natalia Gatti Named 2026 Delaware State Champion for Poetry Out Loud
Date Posted: February 26, 2026
DHSS, DNREC Reopen PFAS Awareness and Outreach Grant Opportunity Through March 27
Date Posted: February 25, 2026
Diverse Histories Virtual Exhibit Launches, Expanding Delaware’s Story Beyond 1776
Date Posted: February 25, 2026
Governor Meyer Terminates Delaware State of Emergency
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Announces 302 Day Service Projects Statewide
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
Emergency Shelters Closing
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
DOJ obtains dual prison sentences for 2019 shootings
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
AG Jennings, DOJ employee to accompany Rep. Sarah McBride and Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester to State of the Union Address
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Now Open at Delaware State University
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
Delaware 250 to Host “Celebrate Delaware” Black-Tie Celebration at Hotel Du Pont
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
Fee Season to Begin March 1, Kicking off Year-Long 75th Anniversary Celebration at Delaware State Parks
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
State of Delaware Announces 10 a.m. Opening for Kent and Sussex Counties on February 24, 2026
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
Driving Restrictions Lifted Statewide Effective Immediately
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
State of Delaware Announces Office Operations for Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Date Posted: February 23, 2026
Level 1 Driving Warning Lifted for New Castle County
Date Posted: February 23, 2026
Kent and Sussex County Downgraded to Level 2 Driving Restriction, New Castle County Remains at Level 1 Driving Warning
Date Posted: February 23, 2026
Driving Restrictions Update: New Castle County Downgraded to Level 1, Kent and Sussex Counties Remaining at Level 3
Date Posted: February 23, 2026
NEWS FEED
Historical and Cultural Affairs Presents Arts & Education Programs for the Month of April
Date Posted: April 1, 2026
Governor Meyer Names Updated Delaware Interfaith Council
Date Posted: April 1, 2026
Smyrna State Service Center Relocating to New Location on DHCI Campus
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Announces Deputy Director and PIO Appointments
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
Los Líderes De Delaware Instan a Los Residentes a Conocer Sus Derechos
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
Delaware Leaders Encourage Residents to Know Their Rights
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
Delaware Releases Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern and First PFAS Implementation Plan
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
Turkey Hunting Season to Offer an Extra Day; Season Opens April 4 and 5 with Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunts
Date Posted: March 31, 2026
H.B. du Pont Middle School Students Crowned 2026 Solar Racer Champions
Date Posted: March 30, 2026
Lewes Fire
Date Posted: March 30, 2026
Delaware Veterans Connect, Create, and Showcase Their Work Through Free Statewide Art Classes
Date Posted: March 30, 2026
Take A Kid Fishing! Program Returns for Special Spring Break Dates
Date Posted: March 30, 2026
Electronic Red-Light Safety Program Adds 15 Locations
Date Posted: March 27, 2026
Court rules with State, clears way for offshore wind substation critical to Delaware’s energy future
Date Posted: March 27, 2026
Wilmington Fire
Date Posted: March 26, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Expands Delaware LGBTQ+ Commission
Date Posted: March 26, 2026
Emergency Sirens Test on Tuesday, April 7
Date Posted: March 25, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Announces Major Broadband Milestone for Delaware
Date Posted: March 25, 2026
Seventeen Officers Complete POST Instructor Course
Date Posted: March 25, 2026
Visit Delaware Releases Updated Travel Guide
Date Posted: March 24, 2026
Governor Meyer Orders Lowering of Flags to Honor Former State Senator Nancy Cook
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
DOJ announces arrest of Delmar officer in stalking, sexual contact investigations
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Winners
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
DE250 Invites Public to “Celebrate Delaware” at Hotel Du Pont
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
DNREC’s DuPont Nature Center to Reopen April 1
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
DOJ secures life sentences, additional time for two men involved in the murder of Shiheem Durham
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay Sits Down with Small Business Leaders Across the State
Date Posted: March 23, 2026
DSHA kicks off healthy heart programming for residents
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
Potassium Iodide Distribution on April 2 in Middletown
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
Felton Fire
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
Results of OHS’ St. Patrick’s Day Weekend DUI Checkpoint and Sober Rides Program
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
Delaware Senators Move One Step Closer to Protecting Civil Rights for Individuals with Disabilities
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
BASSE Charter to close in June
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
Delaware Launches New Statewide AI Training for State Employees
Date Posted: March 19, 2026
DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section Set to Spray Woodland Pool Habitats
Date Posted: March 17, 2026
DNREC, DEMA to Sponsor Delaware Flood Awareness Week March 16 to 20
Date Posted: March 16, 2026
Public Advocate Names New Deputy and Key Staff to Strengthen Consumer Advocacy
Date Posted: March 16, 2026
DOJ secures convictions in the murder of Marell Lowe
Date Posted: March 16, 2026
Controlled Burn to be Scheduled at Brandywine Creek State Park
Date Posted: March 16, 2026
Governor Meyer Celebrates 125 Years of Delaware Libraries
Date Posted: March 13, 2026
Bring Your Family History to Life at the Archives’ Community Digitization Days
Date Posted: March 13, 2026
Registration Now Open for DNREC-Sponsored Christina River Watershed Cleanup
Date Posted: March 13, 2026
Delaware accelerates statewide early literacy strategy with more than $8m to strengthen classroom reading instruction
Date Posted: March 12, 2026
Upstate Trout Season to Open in New Castle County Streams with Youth-Only Day Set for April 4
Date Posted: March 12, 2026
Delaware Division of the Arts Seeks Public Input in New Statewide Strategic Planning Process
Date Posted: March 11, 2026
Delaware Bay Barge Fire Declared Under Control
Date Posted: March 11, 2026
DNREC Announces 2025-‘26 Deer Harvest Totals, Launches New Interactive Game Harvest Dashboard
Date Posted: March 11, 2026
Suspicious Package Prompts Investigation at Dover DMV
Date Posted: March 10, 2026
Delaware Bay Barge Fire
Date Posted: March 10, 2026
Property Reassessment & Your Insurance: What Really Drives Premium Costs
Date Posted: March 10, 2026
Amid Hints of Spring, DNREC Reminds Delawareans of Yard Waste Options, Including Beneficial Reuse
Date Posted: March 10, 2026
Capitol Police Seeks Public Comment on Assessment
Date Posted: March 9, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Returns from India Trade Mission with New Investment and Innovation Opportunities
Date Posted: March 9, 2026
DNREC Now Soliciting Community Water Quality Improvement Grant Project Proposals
Date Posted: March 9, 2026
Two Cape Henlopen Trails to Close for Repairs
Date Posted: March 6, 2026
DelDOT Accepting Applications for TAP Community Projects
Date Posted: March 6, 2026
Delaware Officials Highlight DTRN360, Innovative Behavioral Health Care Coordination Platform
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
AG Jennings sues Trump Administration to stop latest round of illegal tariffs
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Delaware Policy Leaders Take Aim at Primary Care Reform, Health Care Affordability
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Delaware students attend U.S. premiere of Glory Ride
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Women and Tavern Keeping on the Dover Green at the Archives’ March First Saturday Program
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Wilmington DMV Appointment System Now Open
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Smyrna Building Fire
Date Posted: March 5, 2026
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer Proclaims March 9-13, 2026 Severe Weather Awareness Week
Date Posted: March 4, 2026
DNREC to Resume Sand Bypass Operations At Indian River Inlet After Signing Contract With First State Crane Service
Date Posted: March 4, 2026
The Mezzanine Gallery presents Tanya Bracey’s “Community”
Date Posted: March 4, 2026
DSB Launches Online Form to Nominate New Opportunity Zone Census Tracts
Date Posted: March 4, 2026
Attention Ag Insurance Agents: Subsidy issues subject of Monday, March 9 virtual Q&A with USDA Risk Management Agency
Date Posted: March 3, 2026
AG Jennings intervenes in USPS case that would allow guns to be mailed with virtually no limits
Date Posted: March 3, 2026
Delaware Department of Education sets measurable targets to accelerate student achievement statewide
Date Posted: March 3, 2026
AG Jennings blocks another Trump Admin attempt to defund SNAP, collect personal data
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
March 1-7 is Weights and Measures Week in Delaware
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
Delaware Entradas a las fiestas para ver los partidos de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 saldrán
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
DE Tourism Announces Watch Party Ticket Sales Launch March 5
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
Delaware Lt. Gov Gay, Education Secretary Marten celebrate 302 Day with fourth graders
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
DOJ Recognizes National Consumer Protection Week
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
Leipsic House Fire
Date Posted: March 2, 2026
DOJ obtains prison sentence for fatal 2022 shooting
Date Posted: February 27, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Issues Statement on the Unanimous Upholding of Senate Bill 21 by the Delaware Supreme Court
Date Posted: February 27, 2026
DSHA announces participants in zoning and land use reform pilot program
Date Posted: February 27, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Signs Executive Order Streamlining State Permitting Regulations
Date Posted: February 26, 2026
DSB Prepares to Deploy Next $20M in SSBCI Funding
Date Posted: February 26, 2026
DNREC Closes The Point at Cape Henlopen March 1 to Protect Nesting, Migrating Birds
Date Posted: February 26, 2026
Natalia Gatti Named 2026 Delaware State Champion for Poetry Out Loud
Date Posted: February 26, 2026
DHSS, DNREC Reopen PFAS Awareness and Outreach Grant Opportunity Through March 27
Date Posted: February 25, 2026
Diverse Histories Virtual Exhibit Launches, Expanding Delaware’s Story Beyond 1776
Date Posted: February 25, 2026
Governor Meyer Terminates Delaware State of Emergency
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
Governor Matt Meyer Announces 302 Day Service Projects Statewide
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
Emergency Shelters Closing
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
DOJ obtains dual prison sentences for 2019 shootings
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
AG Jennings, DOJ employee to accompany Rep. Sarah McBride and Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester to State of the Union Address
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Now Open at Delaware State University
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
Delaware 250 to Host “Celebrate Delaware” Black-Tie Celebration at Hotel Du Pont
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
Fee Season to Begin March 1, Kicking off Year-Long 75th Anniversary Celebration at Delaware State Parks
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
State of Delaware Announces 10 a.m. Opening for Kent and Sussex Counties on February 24, 2026
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
Driving Restrictions Lifted Statewide Effective Immediately
Date Posted: February 24, 2026
State of Delaware Announces Office Operations for Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Date Posted: February 23, 2026
Level 1 Driving Warning Lifted for New Castle County
Date Posted: February 23, 2026
Kent and Sussex County Downgraded to Level 2 Driving Restriction, New Castle County Remains at Level 1 Driving Warning
Date Posted: February 23, 2026
Driving Restrictions Update: New Castle County Downgraded to Level 1, Kent and Sussex Counties Remaining at Level 3
Date Posted: February 23, 2026
Delaware News
Flag Status - FULL STAFF
Delaware addresses a priority: DNREC and partnering agencies sample potable water for PFAS in the water supply /Delaware DNREC photo
*Multi-Agency Plan Builds on Decade of PFAS Action, Commits Delaware to
Science-Based, Coordinated Protection of Public Health and the Environment*
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), the Division of Public Health within the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS-DPH) and, the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) today announced the release of the 2 026 Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and the 2026 PFAS Implementation Plan.
Together, these 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.
Guiding principles for both documents 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.
Specifically:
- The Strategic Framework establishes goals for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), which are naturally occurring or human-made substances that become known to pose risks to people and wildlife. PFAS is an example of a CEC but can also include microplastics, pharmaceuticals and pesticides and other substances not yet known. Many CECs lack established regulatory standards, making strategic prioritization and interagency coordination essential to effective action. The new 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 large family of synthetic chemicals found in non-stick coatings, firefighting foams, food packaging and many other products. Because they persist in the environment and the human body for long periods of time, PFAS are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” Delaware has worked to address PFAS contamination since 2016, and the Implementation Plan formalizes and expands on a decade of action. Key milestones documented in the PFAS Implementation Plan include legislation in 2025 establishing public notification requirements for PFAS detections in public water systems and in 2023 reclaiming PFAS-containing firefighting foam; statewide sampling of source water for public water systems in 2022; watershed-focused surface water sampling in 2024; ongoing sampling of wastewater treatment media including spray and biosolids application fields; ongoing wild fish and game sampling.
Additionally, the state’s first continuing medical education course on PFAS exposure launched in September 2025, while a public awareness survey of PFAS knowledge was released in November 2025. In 2026, community outreach grants originated to help residents understand and reduce their exposure, with a pioneering free private well testing program expected to launch later this year. DNREC, through the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act (HSCA), regulates high-priority PFAS (including PFOA [perfluorooctanoic acid], PFOS [perfluorooctane sulfonate] and PFNA [perfluorononanoic acid]) to compel responsible parties to address releases to the environment.
Most PFAS-focused actions are funded from a trust created by the Delaware Department of Justice’s multi-million dollar legal settlement with DuPont, Chemours and Corteva in 2021.
The PFAS Implementation Plan outlines further actions across six strategy areas: (1) Protecting public health; (2) Assessing the sources and extent of PFAS contamination; (3) Eliminating sources and minimizing exposure; (4) Engaging the public and impacted communities; (5) Strengthening communications and outreach; and (6) Ensuring emergency preparedness. Each action in the plan identifies the responsible state agencies, a projected timeline and the rationale for prioritization.
The Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern and the PFAS Implementation Plan are available on the DNREC website at the de.gov/pfas webpage, along with other information on PFAS actions taken by the State. Delaware will publish annual updates on the progress of the PFAS Plan and other CEC-specific plans as they are developed.
About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube or LinkedIn.
Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
Delaware addresses a priority: DNREC and partnering agencies sample potable water for PFAS in the water supply /Delaware DNREC photo
*Multi-Agency Plan Builds on Decade of PFAS Action, Commits Delaware to
Science-Based, Coordinated Protection of Public Health and the Environment*
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), the Division of Public Health within the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS-DPH) and, the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) today announced the release of the 2 026 Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and the 2026 PFAS Implementation Plan.
Together, these 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.
Guiding principles for both documents 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.
Specifically:
- The Strategic Framework establishes goals for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), which are naturally occurring or human-made substances that become known to pose risks to people and wildlife. PFAS is an example of a CEC but can also include microplastics, pharmaceuticals and pesticides and other substances not yet known. Many CECs lack established regulatory standards, making strategic prioritization and interagency coordination essential to effective action. The new 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 large family of synthetic chemicals found in non-stick coatings, firefighting foams, food packaging and many other products. Because they persist in the environment and the human body for long periods of time, PFAS are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” Delaware has worked to address PFAS contamination since 2016, and the Implementation Plan formalizes and expands on a decade of action. Key milestones documented in the PFAS Implementation Plan include legislation in 2025 establishing public notification requirements for PFAS detections in public water systems and in 2023 reclaiming PFAS-containing firefighting foam; statewide sampling of source water for public water systems in 2022; watershed-focused surface water sampling in 2024; ongoing sampling of wastewater treatment media including spray and biosolids application fields; ongoing wild fish and game sampling.
Additionally, the state’s first continuing medical education course on PFAS exposure launched in September 2025, while a public awareness survey of PFAS knowledge was released in November 2025. In 2026, community outreach grants originated to help residents understand and reduce their exposure, with a pioneering free private well testing program expected to launch later this year. DNREC, through the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act (HSCA), regulates high-priority PFAS (including PFOA [perfluorooctanoic acid], PFOS [perfluorooctane sulfonate] and PFNA [perfluorononanoic acid]) to compel responsible parties to address releases to the environment.
Most PFAS-focused actions are funded from a trust created by the Delaware Department of Justice’s multi-million dollar legal settlement with DuPont, Chemours and Corteva in 2021.
The PFAS Implementation Plan outlines further actions across six strategy areas: (1) Protecting public health; (2) Assessing the sources and extent of PFAS contamination; (3) Eliminating sources and minimizing exposure; (4) Engaging the public and impacted communities; (5) Strengthening communications and outreach; and (6) Ensuring emergency preparedness. Each action in the plan identifies the responsible state agencies, a projected timeline and the rationale for prioritization.
The Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern and the PFAS Implementation Plan are available on the DNREC website at the de.gov/pfas webpage, along with other information on PFAS actions taken by the State. Delaware will publish annual updates on the progress of the PFAS Plan and other CEC-specific plans as they are developed.
About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube or LinkedIn.
Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
Named provisions
Related changes
Source
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get Environment alerts
Weekly digest. AI-summarized, no noise.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when dnrec publishes new changes.