Delaware Senate Bill 72
Session 153
An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Public Drinking Water Systems.
Became Law
Signed by Governor on Sep 19, 2025
Sponsors
19 Sponsors
First Action
Mar 13, 2025
Latest Action
Sep 19, 2025
Origin Chamber
Senate
Type
Bill
Bill Number
72
State
Delaware
Session
153
checkPassed on May 13, 2025
Motion Text
SM
Senate Roll Call Votes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Summary
This Act requires the Division of Public Health (“Division”) to create a website where Delaware residents can find out the level of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” in their public drinking water systems. This Act also requires the Division to notify public water utilities if the PFAS in their water exceeds certain limits, known as maximum containment levels, or MCLs. Water companies receiving this notice from the Division must then notify their customers that the PFAS levels in their water exceed the MCLs.
There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that PFAS, which are a class of chemicals that do not break down naturally, are linked to certain cancers, liver problems, thyroid issues, low birth weights and birth defects, decreased immunity, and other serious health issues. Children may be particularly susceptible to negative health outcomes from PFAS exposure, with some research linking high PFAS levels in children to developmental problems and reduced effectiveness of vaccines.
Although Delaware is currently working toward making PFAS information available to consumers as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the federal rule that requires water systems to report on PFAS does not require them to do so until 2027, and water systems will not face consequences for exceeding MCLs until 2029. By providing everyone who uses public drinking water systems with the ability to determine the level of PFAS in their water prior to 2027, and to be notified when levels exceed MCLs, this Act empowers Delaware residents to advocate for safer water.
This Act takes effect 90 days after its enactment into law.
Bill Text
Sort by most recent
09/19/2025
Office of the Governor
Signed by Governor
06/30/2025
House
Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 VACANT
06/25/2025
House
Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 4 On Its Merits
06/20/2025
House
Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House
06/18/2025
House
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 2 Favorable, 7 On Its Merits
05/14/2025
House
Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House
05/13/2025
Senate
Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
05/13/2025
Senate
Amendment SA 1 to SB 72 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
05/09/2025
Senate
Amendment SA 1 to SB 72 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
04/17/2025
Senate
Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 6 On Its Merits
03/13/2025
Senate
Introduced and Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate
Sources
Open States
Record Created
Mar 13, 2025 10:05:32 PM
Record Updated
Sep 24, 2025 6:24:01 PM