A DNREC groundwater monitoring site in the town of Bowers in Kent County. /DNREC photo

With Delaware experiencing the drought conditions prevalent in much of the country and under a drought watch since late October of last year, the Delaware Climate Office has launched a website to help Delawareans stay informed about the state’s water supply. The site was developed by the University of Delaware’s Center for Environmental Monitoring and Analysis in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the Delaware Geological Survey (DGS).

The Drought Resources and Awareness website provides updates on a regular basis as drought conditions persist, with reporting that includes precipitation measurements by county and municipality, and what those levels represent for Delaware as drought conditions persist. The site also includes links to DGS Water Conditions Report, the US Drought Monitor, and Delaware’s Water Supply Coordinating Council, which is charged with planning and managing Delaware water supplies to ensure they can meet peak demand during times of water shortage.

“The website integrates data from diverse sources into easily-grasped facts about the drought conditions we’ve been facing in Delaware – particularly with concerns for our surface water supplies in northern New Castle County and our groundwater and soil moisture statewide as we move into planting season,” said DNREC Division of Water Director Steve Smailer. “There’s never been a greater need for bundling the facets of our water supply and the climatic conditions affecting it into an informational site for the public.”

State Climatologist Dr. Kevin Brinson, who worked with DGS and the University of Delaware’s Water Resources Center in developing the new site, said: “We hope this is a good first step towards providing drought information that’s not only important to water supply, but to other water-critical sectors, such as agriculture and natural ecosystems.

“DNREC has provided tremendous leadership in coordinating our state’s drought monitoring efforts across government, academia, and industry,” Brinson said. “Together, I’m confident that we can continue to enhance the information available through this site with more monitoring data and water demand information.”

DGS Professional Geologist and Hydrologist Stefanie Baxter, who helped develop the site, agreed: “The new drought website integrates data and observations from key Delaware agencies for monitoring and managing water resources,” she said. “Droughts will come and go in the future, so this site is a major milestone for providing current water conditions information.”

The current drought awareness report posted on the site offers encouraging news about recent rainfall and improving groundwater conditions. The report shares that:

• March precipitation is above normal in just about every location in Delaware, especially Sussex County.
• Stream conditions in northern Delaware are improving, and chloride levels on the Christina River are decreasing.
• Groundwater conditions are below normal at most wells in the state, but they have continued to improve due to the wet March conditions.
• Long-term (Spring 2025) drought outlook shows drought conditions improving statewide.

The site also includes a “Drought Discussion” section, where water experts from the sponsoring agencies summarize current conditions using charts, graphs and share expert commentary from select locations throughout the state.

Another feature is links to drought-related webpages for the surrounding states of Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, all of which are facing similar circumstances with water supply and scarce rainfall as has Delaware over the last year.

To explore current drought conditions and water supply updates, visit https://climate.udel.edu/drought/.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Water manages and protects Delaware’s water resources. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov 

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The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has approved multiple permit applications and authorization requests from wind energy developer US Wind, Inc., allowing the Delaware components of its proposed Maryland offshore wind project to move forward.

The approved permits and authorizations are outlined in DNREC Secretary’s Order No. 2024-W-0051. The decision was informed by applicable state laws and regulations, science and a transparent permitting process that incorporated public engagement and thorough review by DNREC subject-matter experts.

US Wind’s Maryland offshore wind project includes approximately 15 miles of export cables under the state’s subaqueous jurisdiction.

As part of the permitting process, DNREC published a public notice in newspapers and on its website. DNREC held a community information session and a formal public hearing, receiving more than 400 comments during the public comment period from April to September 2024. Public feedback helped shape DNREC’s review and final decision.

As conditions of the permits, US Wind will be required to:

• Perform detailed monitoring and reporting during both construction and operations.
• Provide compensatory mitigation activities and funding to address potential environmental concerns and public use impacts.
• Follow an approved Emergency Response Plan for actions related to unanticipated occurrences.
• Establish financial assurance to provide for any future decommissioning activities.

Key elements of the compensatory mitigation package include:

• Fish and shellfish studies and population monitoring.
• Recreational access facilities improvements throughout the inland bays.
• The establishment of a maintenance and research fund.
• Funding in support of the development and operation of a commercial shellfish docking facility.
• Annual funding to the aquaculture startup grant fund.
• Financial contributions for fisherperson compensation claims.
• Funding to support the construction and operation of a submerged aquatic vegetation restoration facility.
• Financial support for habitat restoration and shoreline protection projects in the Inland Bays.
• Funding for training and infrastructure improvements needed to support the Emergency Response Plan.

The approved permits include the following:

• Subaqueous Lands Permit
• Wetlands Permit
• Beach Preservation Coastal Construction Permit

For more information about the project, visit de.gov/uswind. For supporting documents from the public hearing, visit de.gov/1Ut.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts
Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday issued a statewide drought watch after receiving guidance from the Delaware Water Supply Coordinating Council (WSCC). Delawareans are asked to voluntarily reduce outdoor uses of water during the drought watch. This decision follows an assessment of conditions by the WSCC on October 25. The drought watch will remain in effect until further notice.

The mandatory open burning ban issued by the Delaware State Fire Marshal remains in effect until further notice.

This drought watch is the result of the continuing scarcity of precipitation throughout the state, particularly northern New Castle County, where the pretreated water supply for Delaware’s most populous region is primarily sourced from several surface water streams and reservoirs.

“We encourage all residents to take this drought watch seriously. Please limit your outdoor water use and conserve water where you can,” said Governor John Carney.

The WSCC, chaired by DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, includes representatives from state and county governments, climatologists, geologists, businesses, the agriculture community, water utilities and others. During the drought watch, DNREC encourages all Delaware residents and non-farm businesses to voluntarily reduce nonessential water use. Specifically, the WSCC drought watch guidelines include:

• Limit watering of lawns and outdoor plants. Water lawns, groundcover, shrubs and trees sparingly and conservatively.
• Minimize watering with drinkable (potable) water. If non-drinkable water is available, use it on lawns and turf fields instead of potable water.

In addition to water conservation measures, the open burning ban prohibits activities such as bonfires, controlled burning (including always prohibited burning of leaves and yard waste), agricultural burning, fires for land clearing, and fires for demolition and removal of hazards.

The State Fire Marshal urges residents to properly dispose of cigarettes and matches and avoid parking vehicles on or near dry leaves and grass to prevent unintentional fires.

The drought watch is the first of three drought-related levels of action:

1. Drought Watch: Voluntary water conservation is encouraged given the potential for drought.
2. Drought Warning: Water shortages become more likely, prompting more significant voluntary reductions in water use.
3. Drought Emergency: Worsening conditions would lead to a State of Emergency with mandatory water use restrictions.

Drought declarations are not based on any single indicator. Instead, the WSCC representatives monitor a range of indicators that include: precipitation, stream flow, reservoir storage, groundwater levels and soil moisture. These indicators are evaluated over 3 to 12 months to assess long-term trends. Across Delaware, unusually low levels of precipitation and soil moisture indicate a need for a statewide drought watch. Although major water reservoirs in Northern New Castle County remain within normal ranges, the low stream flows in that area warrant heightened concern as it is those streams that are needed to refill the reservoirs. Public water suppliers are asking residents to reduce their water use whenever possible.

State officials and the WSCC will continue to assess water conditions and will provide guidance if a drought warning or emergency becomes necessary. In the meantime, the WSCC and its members are closely watching weather patterns and advising Delawareans to conserve water to help prevent more severe and possibly mandatory restrictions.

To learn more about drought preparedness and water conservation, visit DNREC’s drought resource page at de.gov/drought and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense webpage for tips on saving water.

A version of this release translated into Spanish can be found here. 

A version of this release translated into Haitian Creole can be found here. 

With below-average precipitation since late summer, including record low rainfall in New Castle and Sussex Counties, Delaware has become abnormally dry as the state heads into the fall season. To reduce the risk of unplanned fires during these dry conditions, the Delaware State Fire Marshal has issued a statewide ban on all open burning until further notice. Fortunately, water demand decreases in the fall and the state’s reservoirs and aquifers are currently in good shape. This time of the year typically allows these systems to recover from the summer demands on them. 

With little rain expected in the extended forecast, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control reminds all Delawareans that water conservation practices are a good year-round habit for helping maintain the state’s water supply. But in northern New Castle County, the focus on water conservation and wise water use is crucial, as the state’s most populous region relies on several surface water streams and reservoirs for the water supply.

“While the state’s water supply remains strong and sufficient, it is extremely important for residents in northern Delaware to take steps to conserve water in whatever ways they can to help offset the lack of rainfall,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. This will help maintain existing water supply levels should we face more painful drought conditions. Since surface water is the main source of drinking water in the northern part of the state, taking preventative steps now will help to avoid a potential supply issues later.”

While portions of neighboring states also are affected by a scarcity of precipitation, West Virginia is the only one of them currently experiencing severe drought conditions.  Delaware has become better prepared for enduring such periods. Reservoirs in the northern reaches of the state, interconnections between the state’s public water systems, use of aquifer storage and recovery, and other enhancements to the public water supply have all been designed to make northern New Castle County more resilient for extended dry weather events.

“Since the last severe drought in 2002, public and private water purveyors have built over two billion gallons of reserve water supply storage that include reservoirs, impoundments, aquifer storage, and new wells,” said Dr. Gerald J. Kauffman, director of Delaware Water Resources Center. “These reserve supplies, coupled with water demand conservation achieved by the public, mean that Delaware is well on the path toward water supply self-sufficiency.” 

Open Burning Ban

Due to current dry conditions, the Delaware State Fire Marshal has issued a ban on open burning. While open burning is typically allowed from September 30 to April 30, the Fire Marshal has the authority to ban these activities in individual counties or statewide during dry periods. This measure is in place to reduce the risk of unplanned fires. The ban includes:

• Controlled burning of yard/garden material (excluding leaves, which are never permitted)
• Bonfires
• Demolition burning
• Prescribed burns for land management
• Agricultural burning for field maintenance

Currently, campfires are permitted only in areas cleared of all combustibles, surrounded by a non-combustible ring no larger than 3’ x 3’ and used for cooking only. Grills/hibachis are also allowed in areas cleared of surrounding combustibles and used for cooking only.

For more details, visit statefiremarshal.delaware.gov and de.gov/openburning.

Water Conservation Tips

Water conservation and wise water use also are of year-end benefit to Delaware’s water resources. While winter water conservation may look different than traditional summer conservation measures. Here are some easy ways to save water and protect your home during the colder seasons:

• Maintain your residential furnace: Ensure your furnace is working properly to prevent your home’s pipes from freezing. This step can reduce the need to leave faucets dripping, which wastes water.
• Insulate exposed pipes: Make sure your exposed outdoor pipes and hose bibs are securely covered with pipe insulation. This will ensure that they won’t freeze or develop any leaks.
• Fix leaks: Repair any leaks in faucets, toilets, or plumbing before temperatures drop to avoid bigger issues when the weather turns cold.

DNREC offers a free Weatherization Assistance Program to help prepare comfortable, energy-saving homes for the winter season.

Impact on Agriculture

Unfortunately, water conservation can’t solve all the problems caused by the lack of rain. Agriculture has been hit hard this year.

“This has been a challenging year for agriculture regarding the amount and timing of rainfall,” said Don Clifton, Executive Director of the Delaware Farm Bureau and a member of the Water Supply Coordinating Council. “We had some delayed planting in the spring due to inundated soils. After crops were established, a shortage of rain caused crop losses, in some extreme cases to the extent there was no crop to harvest. Some corn was mowed down without running a combine through it. Presently some soils are so dry that cover crops and small grains that are being seeded do not have enough moisture to germinate. These crops are important to help retain nutrients thereby protecting groundwater and surface waters. If they can’t be established, we lose that ability.”

Looking Ahead

September was one of the driest months on record, and many parts of Delaware, especially New Castle County, haven’t received any rain in October so far, according to State Climatologist and Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) Director Dr. Kevin R. Brinson.

“Looking at the extended forecast, there is little to no precipitation expected over the next two weeks,” said Dr. Brinson. So, in the short term, we should continue to see our water conditions deteriorate.”

Brinson offered a qualified response as to where and to what effect current conditions may lead.

“Our seasonal outlook isn’t looking particularly dry, but it’s not looking wet either. We’re expecting a La Nina to develop this winter, which tends to mean warmer and drier conditions for our region,” he said. “Given how dry it’s been, any recovery we experience this winter would likely take some time to occur. That’s why it’s so important that we start to monitor the dry conditions closely now instead of waiting until late winter or early next spring when the demand for water will go back up. As much as we can, we want to stay ahead of this potential drought.”

Dr. David Wunsch, director of the Delaware Geological Survey, emphasized the importance of monitoring.

“The Delaware Geological Survey maintains infrastructure to monitor drought conditions, including groundwater monitoring wells that help us to determine trends in water levels,” said Dr. David Wunsch. “These serve as indicators that help us to provide real data that the state can use to guide recommendations for mediating drought conditions.”

Without a wet fall and winter Delaware may be in trouble when water demands increase in the spring, wise water use and conservation of water supplies are highly encouraged in Delaware – tips for both practices can be found on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense webpage and on the DNREC website at de.gov/drought.

To learn more about drought in Delaware, read the article in Outdoor Delaware online magazine, “Navigating Delaware’s Drought History: Insights into Water Management Challenges and Solutions.”

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Water manages and protects Delaware’s water resources. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

Giveaways, Activities, Education Materials Featured in Oct. 6 Event

Fifteen programs spanning seven divisions within the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control are scheduled to participate in the University of Delaware’s annual Coast Day on Sunday, Oct. 6. Coast Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UD’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus, 1044 College Drive, Lewes.

“DNREC values the opportunity to engage with Delawareans whenever possible, and Coast Day allows us to showcase some of the work we do, answer questions and provide valuable information on how we strive to protect and preserve our environment and natural resources,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.

In addition to dozens of vendors and participating organizations, Coast Day highlights how UD scientists, staff and students are gaining a deeper understanding of ocean environments and helping to serve coastal communities.

Attendees can participate in hands-on activities, tour research vessels, explore campus laboratories, listen to lectures from local scientists and interact with a wide range of exhibitors, including UD student organizations, community partners, and state environmental agencies.

DNREC’s tent will feature a mixture of informational brochures, educational materials, giveaways and activities.

DNREC divisions scheduled to participate in Coast Day and their areas of expertise to be featured include:

Division of Air Quality

• Air Quality Index

Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy

• Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative
• Climate Action Plan
• Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Coastal Management Programs

Division of Fish and Wildlife

• Delaware Bayshore Initiative
• Delmarva Fox Squirrel Project
• Mosquito Control Section

Division of Parks and Recreation

• Delaware State Parks, including Cape Henlopen State Park Nature Center and Fort Miles

Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances

• Delaware Recycles Initiative

Division of Water

• Water Wells and Resource Protection
• Wetlands and Waterways Section

Division of Watershed Stewardship

• Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program
• Shellfish and Recreational Water Program
• Conservation Programs Section

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, Michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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