Our Mission
The Division of Soil and Water Conservation is mandated to preserve and protect our state’s soil, water and coastal resources. We manage Delaware’s shoreline, coastal zone and navigable waterways by regulating coastal and urban land use and construction activities, and by promoting wise agricultural and urban land management practices. We also promote wise water management practices to preserve agricultural interests, protect urban communities and provide for public safety.
What We Do
- Provide for the development and implementation of new and innovative wetland and stream restoration techniques and concepts
- Provide administrative and technical assistance for the development and maintenance of group drainage projects
- Provide for the preservation and enhancement of Delaware’s beaches
- Improve and maintain navigational channels in the state’s inland waterways
- Provide technical assistance to landowners about sound conservation practices
- Administer the state’s Sediment and Stormwater and Nonpoint Source Pollution Programs
- Serve as the administrative lead for the Delaware Coastal Management Program and the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve
Sections within the Division
Drainage & Stormwater
Info on drainage, water management and restoration, stormwater management, flooding, sediment control and inspection, dam safety, tax ditch law, Contractors Certification Courses, Permits/approvals, Forms/applications and more
Shoreline & Waterway Management
Info on beach and shoreline management, beach nourishment, dune protection and maintenance, flood mitigation, coastal storm response, coastal construction, beach grass planting, NFIP compliance and assessments, dredging, Macroalgae Harvesting, Tax Lagoons, Channel Marking, Indian River Sand Bypass system and more
District Operations
Info on the Delaware Nonpoint Source Program (NPS), the Debris Pit Program, Ecological Restoration, Conservation Districts, the Delaware Envirothon and more
Delaware Coastal Programs
Info on Coastal Management programs, Coastal Zone Federal Consistency Certification Program, the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve, and more
