Concerned residents voice concerns about Delaware’s water quality

Dozens gathered outside of Legislative Hall in Dover Tuesday morning to raise awareness about Delaware's poor water quality and to demand more funding for clean water in the first state.

It's all part of the "Clean Water: Delaware's Clear Choice" rally, and this year's event was likely the most passionate yet due to recent cases of water contamination in Blades and Millsboro.

Brenna Goggin, the Director of Advocacy for Delaware Nature Society said, "I dare you to think of anytime today where you haven't used water, and I want you to think about and contemplate the fact that it's 2018 and there are residents of Delaware that don't have the luxury of turning their tap on and having clean water."

Hundreds came together in front of Legislative Hall Tuesday for the fourth annual Clean Water; Delaware's Clear Choice rally to demand more sustainable funding for sanitary water.

Goggin said, "We're thanking Governor Carney for including $6 million dollars in his proposed Fiscal Year 2019 budget, and making sure the General Assembly keeps that $6 million dollars in. But also, we're asking our legislators and the governor's office to look for a more sustainable option than just one-off funding."

What they're asking is $100 million dollars of funding, and they're hoping to have it in the Fiscal Year 2020 budget.

Chris Bason, the Executive Director for Delaware Center for Inland Bays said, "We're in at least a hundred million dollar deficit for clean water needs in the state, this is per year, and that's only going to get more."

Officials with the Delaware Center for Inland Bays say raising awareness about the state of the waters in Delaware is crucial,  so people and legislators in particular understand the need for funding.

Bason said, "So Delaware, over 90 percent of our waterways are polluted. Most of the pollution comes from excess nutrients from fertilizer and runoff. It's a problem that is easily solvable its just that funding has not been made a priority to deal with it."

Following the rally, about 80 people went into legislative hall to meet with legislators.

Tuesday's speakers encourage you to let your legislators know that clean water is a priority to you and the area you call home.