DHSS Press Release

DPH LAUNCHES NEW FINANCIAL AID PROGRAM FOR PRIVATE WELL OWNERS, OFFERS FREE WATER TESTING KITS TO DELAWARE RESIDENTS

DOVER, Del. (Aug. 31, 2023) - The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) recently announced a new financial assistance program for homeowners who receive their drinking water from private wells. The program is operated by the agency's Health Systems Protection section.

Starting Sept. 1, 2023, Delawareans can now receive free test kits for their primary residence in the state, which were previously available for $4 per kit. The test kits cover a standard range of bacteria and chemicals that may be present in drinking water.

A Bacteria Kit tests for the following:

• Total coliforms
• E. coli

A Chemical Kit tests for the following:

• Alkalinity
• Chloride
• Fluoride
• Hardness
• Iron
• Nitrate
• Nitrite
• pH
• Sodium
• Sulfate

The Division of Public Health reminds residents that water quality standards for private wells are not regulated by the federal or state government, and they are the responsibility of the homeowner. For more information on primary and secondary contaminants covered by the Safe Drinking Water Act, and their health impacts, visit: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-06/documents/npwdr_complete_table.pdf

Drinking water test kits can be picked up at four locations in the state:

New Castle County

• Environmental Health Field Services
  258 Chapman Road, Newark, DE 19702
  302-283-7110
• Delaware Public Health Laboratory
  30 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna, DE 19977
  302-223-1520

Kent County

• Environmental Health Field Services Thomas Collins Building, Suite 5, Dover, DE 19901 302-744-1220

Sussex County

• Environmental Health Field Services
  Thurman Adams State Service Center, Suite 1700
  544 S. Bedford St, Georgetown, DE 19947
  302-515-3300

Individuals will be eligible to apply for the new financial assistance program if their water quality test results obtained from the laboratory contain excessive amounts in any of the following areas:

• Total coliforms
• E. coli
• Fluoride
• Nitrate
• Nitrite
• Sodium*

*

If individuals are at risk and on severely salt-restricted diets.

To participate in the program, individuals must complete the application form and provide proof of enrollment in other State or Federal assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, Supplemental Security Income, LIHEAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Once applications have been reviewed and approved, third-party vendors will select the appropriate treatment methods based on sample results. A treatment system, installation and the first year of maintenance will be covered by the program. Homeowners and tenants with landlord approval/sign-off can apply for the program.

This program is funded through the State of Delaware's Fiscal Year 2023 capital budget (Bond Bill) and has a budget of $200,000. It will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until funds expire or additional funding is secured for the program.

For more information about the new program, email DHSS_DPH_PrivateWell@delaware.gov or call 302-744-4546 Option 9.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Delaware's Government

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