Delaware is offering free drinking water testing to residents who rely on private wells, including testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other chemical and bacteriological contaminants.

The statewide program, operated by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), expands access to private well testing as the state works to identify and address potential drinking water contamination. The effort is also part of a priority identified in Delaware's 2026 PFAS Implementation Plan.

Unlike public water systems, private wells are not regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, leaving well owners generally responsible for testing and maintaining their water supplies. Under the program, residents pay nothing for sampling or laboratory analysis. After submitting a request and consent form, applicants will be contacted within two weeks to schedule sampling.

If testing identifies a chemical or bacteriological contaminant above a specified threshold, DHSS will notify the resident within 24 to 48 hours and provide information on potential next steps. Delaware also offers financial assistance for well owners who need treatment, with eligible low-income households able to receive full coverage for certain mitigation equipment and one year of maintenance.

For certain PFAS detections, DNREC and DHSS may provide filtration and maintenance for one year at no cost, along with technical information to help residents address contamination.

The state said results from private well sampling may also help agencies identify areas requiring additional investigation into PFAS sources. The program is supported in part by settlement funding from DuPont, Chemours and Corteva as well as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funding for emerging contaminants in small disadvantaged communities.