Delaware Releases 2026 PFAS Plan and Contaminants Framework to Protect Public Health

Delaware Releases Strategic Framework and First PFAS Implementation Plan to Protect Public Health and Environment

The State of Delaware has announced a major step forward in protecting public health and the environment with the release of its 2026 Strategic Framework for Contaminants of Emerging Concern and its first-ever PFAS Implementation Plan.

The initiative is a joint effort led by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Division of Public Health within the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Delaware Department of Agriculture. Together, these agencies are establishing a coordinated, science-based strategy to identify, assess, and reduce risks from harmful chemicals impacting Delaware’s drinking water, food supply, and ecosystems.

What Are Contaminants of Emerging Concern

Contaminants of Emerging Concern, also known as CECs, are substances that may pose risks to human health and wildlife but often lack established regulatory standards. These include both naturally occurring and man-made chemicals such as microplastics, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and PFAS.

The new Strategic Framework outlines how Delaware will approach these risks moving forward. It sets clear goals, defines agency roles, and introduces performance tracking while committing to annual progress updates. The framework also emphasizes stakeholder involvement, science-driven decision-making, and flexibility to respond to new research and emerging threats.

Focus on PFAS, “Forever Chemicals”

A major component of the plan is the state’s first PFAS Implementation Plan. PFAS, short for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widely used synthetic chemicals found in products like non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and food packaging.

Because PFAS do not easily break down, they can remain in the environment and the human body for long periods of time. This persistence has led to them being commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Delaware has been actively addressing PFAS contamination since 2016. The new plan builds on nearly a decade of work and formalizes a long-term strategy for continued action.

Key Actions and Milestones

The PFAS Implementation Plan highlights several major efforts already underway across the state:

• Public notification requirements for PFAS detections in drinking water systems established in 2025
• Reclamation of PFAS-containing firefighting foam in 2023
• Statewide sampling of public water sources beginning in 2022
• Watershed-based surface water testing conducted in 2024
• Ongoing monitoring of wastewater treatment systems and land application sites
• Continued testing of wild fish and game

Additional public health efforts include a statewide medical education program launched in 2025 and a public awareness survey to better understand how residents perceive PFAS risks.

What’s Coming Next

Looking ahead, Delaware plans to expand outreach and prevention efforts. New community grant programs are helping residents better understand and reduce exposure, while a free private well testing program is expected to launch later this year.

The state is also continuing enforcement efforts under the Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act, targeting high-priority PFAS chemicals and requiring responsible parties to address contamination.

Many of these initiatives are funded through a multi-million dollar legal settlement secured in 2021 involving major chemical manufacturers.

Six Key Strategy Areas

The PFAS Implementation Plan outlines future action across six priority areas:

• Protecting public health
• Assessing contamination sources
• Reducing exposure and eliminating sources
• Engaging communities
• Strengthening communication and outreach
• Ensuring emergency preparedness

Each action includes clear timelines, responsible agencies, and defined priorities.

Ongoing Updates and Public Access

Delaware officials say this is just the beginning. The state will provide annual updates on progress and continue developing additional plans for other emerging contaminants.

Residents can access the full Strategic Framework and PFAS Implementation Plan, along with updates and resources, through the state’s official PFAS webpage.