Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control discovered elevated levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in several of the state’s watersheds, with Red Clay Creek showing some of the highest contamination.
In short:
- PFAS, or "forever chemicals," were detected in most of the 33 watersheds sampled in Delaware.
- Red Clay Creek, which provides drinking water, had PFAS levels up to 135 parts per trillion.
- Officials are prioritizing six watersheds for further study and mitigation, but sources of contamination remain unclear.
Key quote:
“That should be the priority—find the source and remediate the problem, because it’s only going to get worse.”
— Seetha Coleman-Kammula, president and executive director of PFAS Solutions in Delaware
Why this matters:
PFAS contamination poses significant risks to public health, with links to cancer and developmental delays. Identifying contamination sources is critical for protecting drinking water and aquatic life, particularly as new federal regulations demand stricter limits.
