Septic Regulations in Delaware

For Delaware residents living in areas not serviced by municipal or county waste treatment facilities, private septic systems are essential for keeping the water supply safe.

The Delaware Division of Water Resources through the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is responsible for regulating and protecting the water supply in Delaware. The Ground Water Discharges Section is the section most specifically tasked with the overseeing septic system use.

Simple Steps for Setting Up a Septic System

The State of Delaware offers the following resources for residents to make septic system set-up as simple as possible. The first step is to complete a site evaluation by a soil scientist to determine what kind of system suits the conditions of the property best.

Based on the recommendations of the soil evaluation homeowners will then contract with a licensed designer for the type of system their site requires. Most prominently, homeowners select either gravity systems or engineered and pressure-closed systems. Each type requires a different kind of designer.

Once the design stage is complete, a licensed installation specialist will ensure that the system adheres to regulations and functions effectively. A comprehensive guide for Delaware homeowners is available Division of Water Resources
89 Kings Hwy
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 739-9950