Free water testing kits now available for Del. residents, new financial aid program announced for private well owners

DOVER, Del. – The Delaware Division of Public Health is launching a new financial assistance program for homeowners with private wells.

Starting Friday, September 1st, Delawareans can receive free water test kits for their primary residence, 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.

Drinking water kits can be picked up at the following locations:

Kent County:

• Environmental Health Field Services, Thomas Collins Building, Suite 5, Dover
• Environmental Health Field Services, Thurman Adams State Service Center, Suite 1700, 500 S. Bedford St. Georgetown

A Bacteria Kit will test for total coliforms and E. coli, while a Chemical Kit will test for alkalinity, chloride, fluoride, hardness, iron, nitrate, nitrite, pH, sodium, and sulfate. Individuals will be eligible to apply for the new financial assistance program if their water quality test results contain excessive amounts of total coliforms, E. coli, nitrate, nitrite, and sodium (for those 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.

If you would like more information on the program, you can email DHSS_DPH_PrivateWell@delaware.gov or call 302-744-4546 option 9.