NEWS FEED

DNREC to Conduct Statewide Assessment of Wastewater Infrastructure in Manufactured Home Communities
Date Posted: April 7, 2026

Governor Meyer Nominates Bob Osmond as Chief Information Officer
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Houston House Fire
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Upcoming Electricity Rate Increase Adds to Cost Increases for Delmarva Customers
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

AG Jennings sues Trump to block election interference
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Slow Down and Stay Focused: OHS Kicks Off Spring BRAKE and Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

AG Jennings wins appeals court ruling against HUD’s attempts to restrict housing-assistance programs
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Volunteers Sought to Join DNREC in Cleaning Up Concord Pond near Seaford for Earth Month
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Wilmington DMV Appointments Update
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

DMV on the Go for 2026
Date Posted: April 2, 2026

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

NEWS FEED

DNREC to Conduct Statewide Assessment of Wastewater Infrastructure in Manufactured Home Communities
Date Posted: April 7, 2026

Governor Meyer Nominates Bob Osmond as Chief Information Officer
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Houston House Fire
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Upcoming Electricity Rate Increase Adds to Cost Increases for Delmarva Customers
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

AG Jennings sues Trump to block election interference
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Slow Down and Stay Focused: OHS Kicks Off Spring BRAKE and Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

AG Jennings wins appeals court ruling against HUD’s attempts to restrict housing-assistance programs
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Volunteers Sought to Join DNREC in Cleaning Up Concord Pond near Seaford for Earth Month
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

Wilmington DMV Appointments Update
Date Posted: April 6, 2026

DMV on the Go for 2026
Date Posted: April 2, 2026

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

Delaware News

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DNREC has begun assessing wastewater and drinking water infrastructure in the state’s manufactured home communities /Delaware DNREC photo

Project Will Help Identify Problems and Needed
Resources to Improve Aging or Failing Systems

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has begun a statewide assessment of wastewater and drinking water infrastructure conditions in Delaware’s manufactured home communities (MHCs). Many of them are located in underserved communities and some systems are believed to be outdated, poorly maintained or in various stages of disrepair.

The project, relying on U.S. EPA grants and State Revolving Fund money, has identified more than 170 MHCs across the state to date. Of those, 98 are known to provide on-site wastewater treatment/disposal. Many of these communities have small, shared septic systems that were installed years ago, and thus are not covered by an inspection program requirement under Delaware Regulations Governing the Design, Installation and Operation of On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems. Understanding the need for upgrades to these systems in the future is another integral component of the assessment project.

“The baseline data collected from this project will be used to hopefully assist these communities with water and wastewater challenges that have arisen, often through no fault of manufactured home community residents,” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. “The focus is on identifying where water infrastructure improvements are needed rather than regulatory enforcement — though we will certainly seek compliance if we encounter public health concerns.”

“While we’re collecting data that can help facilitate open and improved communications with residents and property owners, our goal is to identify MHCs in need of infrastructure improvements and connect them with the resources that can help make their living circumstances better,” said DNREC Division of Water Director Steve Smailer.

To obtain the best available information about wastewater and water infrastructure in these communities, DNREC and its environmental contractor, Verdantas, began the project in late 2025 with the first phase: documenting all known manufactured home communities in Delaware and conducting outreach on the project with the First State Manufactured Housing Association and the Delaware Manufactured Homeowners Association. Both organizations have communicated with their respective memberships about the project, which will be instrumental in its success since many of the MHC wastewater systems are believed to predate DNREC records and water permitting processes.

Phase 2 began in March with preliminary field assessments, as Verdantas field teams make site visits to a subset of the communities identified in Phase 1 to gather on-the-ground information about wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. During those visits, Verdantas will be documenting the size of each manufactured home community, the types of water and wastewater systems in use, the age of those systems and other site conditions. Staff from Verdantas will continue scheduling visits with communities and conducting in-person assessments for the next several weeks.

For more information, visit the de.gov/mhcproject webpage.

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. The DNREC Division of Water manages and protects Delaware’s water resources. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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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.

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DNREC has begun assessing wastewater and drinking water infrastructure in the state’s manufactured home communities /Delaware DNREC photo

Project Will Help Identify Problems and Needed
Resources to Improve Aging or Failing Systems

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has begun a statewide assessment of wastewater and drinking water infrastructure conditions in Delaware’s manufactured home communities (MHCs). Many of them are located in underserved communities and some systems are believed to be outdated, poorly maintained or in various stages of disrepair.

The project, relying on U.S. EPA grants and State Revolving Fund money, has identified more than 170 MHCs across the state to date. Of those, 98 are known to provide on-site wastewater treatment/disposal. Many of these communities have small, shared septic systems that were installed years ago, and thus are not covered by an inspection program requirement under Delaware Regulations Governing the Design, Installation and Operation of On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems. Understanding the need for upgrades to these systems in the future is another integral component of the assessment project.

“The baseline data collected from this project will be used to hopefully assist these communities with water and wastewater challenges that have arisen, often through no fault of manufactured home community residents,” said DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson. “The focus is on identifying where water infrastructure improvements are needed rather than regulatory enforcement — though we will certainly seek compliance if we encounter public health concerns.”

“While we’re collecting data that can help facilitate open and improved communications with residents and property owners, our goal is to identify MHCs in need of infrastructure improvements and connect them with the resources that can help make their living circumstances better,” said DNREC Division of Water Director Steve Smailer.

To obtain the best available information about wastewater and water infrastructure in these communities, DNREC and its environmental contractor, Verdantas, began the project in late 2025 with the first phase: documenting all known manufactured home communities in Delaware and conducting outreach on the project with the First State Manufactured Housing Association and the Delaware Manufactured Homeowners Association. Both organizations have communicated with their respective memberships about the project, which will be instrumental in its success since many of the MHC wastewater systems are believed to predate DNREC records and water permitting processes.

Phase 2 began in March with preliminary field assessments, as Verdantas field teams make site visits to a subset of the communities identified in Phase 1 to gather on-the-ground information about wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. During those visits, Verdantas will be documenting the size of each manufactured home community, the types of water and wastewater systems in use, the age of those systems and other site conditions. Staff from Verdantas will continue scheduling visits with communities and conducting in-person assessments for the next several weeks.

For more information, visit the de.gov/mhcproject webpage.

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. The DNREC Division of Water manages and protects Delaware’s water resources. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

Print

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.