Delaware Launched Free Well Water PFAS Testing
Private well owners can now access state-funded testing and potential filtration grants to address chemical exposure.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Utilities
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Delaware has introduced a program allowing private well owners to test their drinking water for 40 types of PFAS chemicals at no cost. The initiative, which includes potential funding for filtration systems, addresses a regulatory gap for the 20 percent of state residents who rely on private wells.
Why it matters
Private wells remain exempt from the state and federal PFAS regulations that mandate public water providers to reach near-zero contamination levels by 2029. This program offers a pathway for individual property owners to mitigate chemical risks independently of public utility mandates.
Approximately 20 percent of Delaware residents rely on private wells, which are currently exempt from federal and state PFAS treatment mandates. The program tests for 40 distinct types of PFAS chemicals to assess safety.
The players
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
A Delaware state agency responsible for environmental protection and natural resource management.
Department of Health and Social Services
The Delaware state agency overseeing public health initiatives and resident wellness programs.
DuPont
A global chemical company that provided settlement funds for the state's PFAS initiatives.
Chemours
A chemical firm spun off from DuPont that contributed to the state-level PFAS settlement.
Corteva
An agriculture and chemical entity involved in the funding settlement for Delaware's PFAS program.
The details
The program utilizes a mix of federal grants and legal settlement proceeds from DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva to subsidize testing and treatment costs. By providing these resources, the state enables property owners to identify contaminants that public water utilities are otherwise legally required to eliminate by 2029. Residents can apply to the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the Department of Health and Social Services to facilitate testing and potential filtration installation.
Timeline
2029 is the deadline for public water providers to meet near-zero PFAS treatment standards.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the strict 2029 mandate requiring public water utilities in Delaware to achieve near-zero PFAS levels. By covering private wells, the state is addressing a significant regulatory blind spot in its broader chemical safety strategy.
Property owners using private wells should contact state agencies to assess their eligibility for testing and potential filtration subsidies. Operators of businesses with private water supplies should monitor these standards to evaluate long-term compliance and water quality requirements.
The takeaway
The program closes a major regulatory gap for private well users by providing state-backed testing. Operators should confirm if their facilities rely on private wells to ensure compliance with emerging water safety expectations.
Further reading
For more information on infrastructure mandates, see our Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHYY.
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Should state governments provide free environmental testing and filtration for private home wells?
