Issue Position: Clean Water

Issue Position

Delaware faces a clean drinking water public health crisis, especially downstate--including PFCs and elevated nitrates in drinking water, which can adversely and seriously affect the health of pregnant mothers, children, and everyone.
In February 2018, Blades residents were told not to use tap water for drinking or cooking, after perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were detected in the town's water supply. PFCs can cause cancer and developmental issues for fetuses and infants, and adversely affect body organs and function.
A 2018 Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) study revealed elevated nitrates in Delaware drinking water, primarily in Millsboro. One-third of homes' drinking water had nitrate levels higher than the EPA's recommended maximum. Excessive nitrates can lead to serious illness, especially in babies.
A range of options exists to greatly increase water quality for all Delawareans--especially individuals and families suffering daily--at a surprisingly low cost. Human adults' bodies are 60% water, babies' bodies are 75% water, and I am 100% sure that with strong political will and community organizing and activism, we can ensure that 100% of Delawareans have clean, safe water.

Pass a "Clean Water Bill" funding projects aimed at improving groundwater and waterways
Establish a "Clean Water Surcharge" levied on personal income tax (PIT) payments and all business license fees
Bolster Delaware's repeat polluting offender program, ensuring serious consequences for chronic groundwater polluters
Expand programs educating Delawareans with well water about the need to test it regularly, and assisting them in doing so
Help area farmers to implement agricultural best practices and practice environmentally responsible farming

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