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Use the official September 2026 state notice to request no-cost private-well sampling.

Who is responsible for a private well?

Delaware estimates that about 20% of residents get household drinking water from private wells. Unlike public water systems, private wells are not regulated under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act; homeowners are responsible for maintaining and testing the water supply. DNREC and DHSS encourage testing every 12 to 14 months for standard drinking-water parameters.

Source note DNREC PFAS and private-well information

Delaware’s free sampling program

On September 14, 2026, the state announced no-cost sampling and laboratory analysis for private-well households. The program is part of Delaware’s expanded efforts to identify contaminants and increases access to PFAS testing. Residents submit a request and consent form; a state agency staff member or contractor is expected to contact the applicant within about two weeks to arrange sampling. Review the official announcement and current request instructions before applying, as program procedures can change.

Source note State of Delaware announcement, September 14, 2026 · DNREC PFAS and drinking-water page

What should be tested?

The state’s routine private-well guidance emphasizes standard drinking-water parameters. DHSS lists annual checks for nitrate and coliform bacteria among its recommendations. Additional testing may be appropriate based on local conditions, nearby contamination, changes in taste, odor or appearance, repairs to the well or plumbing, or advice from health and environmental officials. Ask which analytes are included in the particular sampling program; a standard panel is not automatically a test for every possible contaminant.

Prepare for a reliable sample

Follow the laboratory’s bottle, flushing, timing, storage and return instructions exactly. Improper collection can compromise a result. Keep a copy of the report, note the date and sample location, and ask the laboratory or state program to explain any result that is unclear. If a result indicates a potential health concern, contact the state health department or a qualified water professional for next steps; do not rely on an online forum to interpret it.

Do not use public-system data as a substitute

A neighbor on a public water system may receive water from a different source and treatment process than a property with a private well. Public-system PFAS results are not a substitute for sampling a private well. Likewise, a clean result from one well does not establish conditions in another well nearby.