SB 72: AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 16 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO PUBLIC DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

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.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 19 · Republican 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 19, 2025Signed by Governor
2. June 30, 2025Passed By House. Votes: 40 YES 1 VACANT
3. June 25, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Appropriations) in House with 4 On Its Merits
4. June 20, 2025Assigned to Appropriations Committee in House
5. June 18, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Health & Human Development) in House with 2 Favorable, 7 On Its Merits
6. May 14, 2025Assigned to Health & Human Development Committee in House
7. May 13, 2025Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
8. May 13, 2025Amendment SA 1 to SB 72 - Passed By Senate. Votes: 21 YES
9. May 9, 2025Amendment SA 1 to SB 72 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
10. April 17, 2025Reported Out of Committee (Health & Social Services) in Senate with 1 Favorable, 6 On Its Merits
11. March 13, 2025Introduced and Assigned to Health & Social Services Committee in Senate