Septic Regulations: Proposed Changes to Delaware Regulations Governing Design, Installation and Operation of On-site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems

DNREC’s Ground Water Discharges Section is accepting public comments until Monday, Dec. 17 on proposed changes to Delaware’s septic regulations, specifically Regulations Governing the Design, Installation and Operation of On-Site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems (On-site Regulations).

DNREC has proposed a major makeover of the entire regulation with the department’s final draft found below. Some of the key changes to the septic regulations include: renumbering the document to adhere to State guidelines, reformatting the chapters to provide a better flow which coincides with the septic permitting process, greatly expanding the large systems (>2,500 gallons per day) section, and incorporating spray irrigation into Delaware's septic regulations. 

With the demand growing for larger, more regionalized projects, DNREC is trying to keep pace and be proactive in providing up-to-date and technologically-advanced regulatory guidance to the waste water treatment industry and to the public. Revisions are also planned for the small systems sections of the septics regulations, which were last updated in 2005.

To make comment on the proposed changes to Delaware’s septic regulations, or for more information about the changes to the regulations, please contact: