Delaware

“Water connects us all. Clean, healthy water is critical to our health, economy, and wildlife. Each of us can play a part in improving the health of the Delaware region’s waterways, which in turn benefits our wildlife, their habitats, and each one of us.”
-Delaware Nature Society

The state of Delaware encompasses 1,982 square miles. The Chesapeake Bay watershed portion of the state comprises 35.4% of the state- 702 square miles and extends into each of Delaware’s three counties. The Chesapeake drainage makes up approximately 10% of New Castle, 33% of Kent, and 50% of Sussex counties.

Delaware has participated in the Chesapeake Bay Program since signing a multi-jurisdictional MOU in September 2000, commiting to achieving water quality goals to protect and improve the bay and tributary water. Delaware was the “first state” to sign this MOU- then Governor Tom Carper signed the document at an event on a Delaware farm, well before other governors and EPA signed later that year.

Ninety percent of Delaware’s waterways are “impaired”, and pollution is limiting residents’ ability to swim or fish and also impacts local drinking water. The restoration goals of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL will improve the health of local Delaware streams and rivers, and restore them for traditional uses.