Each year, thousands of Delawareans express concerns about drainage and stormwater. In many cases, they don't know who to contact when they want to report a problem. Several state and local agencies and programs including the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Delaware Department of Transportation, the local Conservation Districts and municipal public works programs are responsible for working to resolve drainage and flooding problems.
To make it easier for you, the Department of natural resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has established a new central telephone number and email address to report drainage and stormwater concerns.
You can now call the Drainage and Stormwater Assistance Line at 855-1955, email DNREC at:
You may also contact the Delaware Helpline toll-free at 800-464-HELP to be connected to the new line.
The Drainage and Stormwater Assistance Line will be answered between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on regular business days. You can also take advantage of the email address and Delaware Helpline or leave a voicemail at any time. With the aid of this new system, DNREC will be able to provide you with quality service when you are looking for help with drainage and stormwater concerns. When you call the Drainage and Stormwater Assistance Line, you will be asked to provide your name and contact information, the address or location where the problem is occurring and a brief description of the nature of the problem.
This information will assist staff members in determining which jurisdiction is responsible for following up. You can expect to be contacted by the appropriate agency for any technical assistance. Only emergencies should be reported directly to 911.
To learn more about the project and to pick up a magnet with the Drainage and Stormwater Assistance Line contact information, please stop by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control tent during Coast Day, to be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at the University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus, 700 Pilottown Road, near Lewes. The Drainage and Stormwater Assistance Line project was created based on the recommendation of the Governor’s Surface Water Management Task Force.
