Freedom of Information Act requests

It is the policy of the Division of Water Resources to make the fullest possible disclosure of information, subject to restrictions imposed by the Freedom of Information Act, to any who request information, without unnecessary expense or delay. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state statute, which allows citizens the right to reasonable access to public records. Information is provided here on how to make requests for public records held by the Division of Water Resources.

Please note that citizens are entitled to request up to 250 copies of records to be made by the Division when time allows for use of a copy machine. If a request results in over 250 copies to be made, the requestor must provide a copier and the personnel to copy the records. There may be administrative and copying fees associated with processing FOIA requests. Please see the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) FOIA Regulations for a full explanation of fees.

Making a FOIA Request to the Division of Water Resources

If you wish to make a FOIA request for records, the DNREC FOIA Regulations are available through this site to assist you with procedures, fees, etc. At a minimum, requests should:

• be in writing. Regular mail, electronic mail, and facsimile requests are accepted; and
• be clearly identified as a FOIA request. This should be indicated in the text, and on the envelope if the request if sent by regular mail; and
• clearly describe the records sought, the more information provided - name(s), date(s), specific subject area(s) - the easier it will be to determine if the records you are seeking exist. More specific and limited requests generally result in quicker responses; and
• state willingness to pay applicable fees or provide proof of non-profit status.

Please include a telephone number so we can contact you if there is any question about the scope of your request, fees, etc. You may wish to include a maximum dollar amount you are willing to pay. Include the mailing address to which records should be sent.

Please remember that the FOIA applies only to existing division records. It does not require the Division of Water Resources to create records, or to answer questions. However, the division will attempt, in all cases, to provide the information desired.

MAIL: Directors Office - FOIA Staff
Division of Water Resources
Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control
89 Kings Highway
Dover, DE 19901

PHONE: (302) 739-9949 FAX: (302) 739-7864

Email: dwrfoia@state.de.us

DIVISION CONTACT:
Michael L. Green, Paralegal 
Office of the Director
Division of Water Resources
(302) 739-9949

Reference Materials:

• Freedom of Information Act (Title 29 of the Delaware Code, Chapter 100)
• Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control FOIA Regulation
• Division of Water Resources FOIA Request Form
• Division of Water Resources FOIA Contacts and phone numbers
• Division of Water Resources Organizational Information

FOIA Request Form