PRESS RELEASE: Councilwoman Shané Darby’s Six-Year Effort to Protect Vulnerable Residents from Water Shutoffs Becomes Law

Friday, July 10, 2026

Councilwoman Shané Darby’s Six-Year Effort to Protect Vulnerable Residents from Water Shutoffs Becomes Law
To view Substitute 2 to Ordinance 25-017, visit the link here. 

Wilmington, DE — After six years of advocacy, collaboration, and legislative work, Wilmington City Council has passed legislation sponsored by Councilwoman Shané Darby that protects vulnerable households from having their water shut off due to unpaid water bills.

The legislation prohibits the City from disconnecting water service to households that include a senior citizen, a person with a disability, or a child under the age of five for the purpose of collecting an overdue water bill.

“This legislation is about protecting human dignity,” said Councilwoman Shané Darby. “Water is not a luxury. It is essential for life. No senior, no person living with a disability, and no family with a young child should have to fear losing access to clean water because they are struggling financially.”

The ordinance is the result of six years of work that included community meetings, research, discussions with City administrators, and countless meetings with members of City Council. Throughout the process, the legislation was revised multiple times to incorporate feedback while remaining focused on protecting Wilmington’s most vulnerable residents.

“Over the last six years, our community has experienced repeated water rate increases without meaningful protections for those most at risk,” said Councilwoman Darby. “While assistance programs exist, they often require families to first fall into debt before receiving help, and many existing programs are underutilized or not widely promoted. This legislation addresses a gap that has existed for far too long.”

Councilwoman Darby emphasized that this ordinance is only one part of a broader effort to make Wilmington’s water system more affordable and equitable.

“This is one piece of a larger water justice package,” said Councilwoman Darby. “Our work continues to establish a long-term affordable water program, codify additional protections for residents experiencing water debt, and conduct a comprehensive external assessment of the City’s water system. Every resident deserves access to safe, affordable water.”

Darby thanked the residents, advocates, and organizations who supported the effort throughout the years, as well as the members of Wilmington City Council who voted in favor of the legislation.

Council members voting in support included:

• Council President Trippi Congo
• Councilwoman Shanè Darby (2nd District)
• Councilman Coby Owens (1st District)
• Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver (3rd District)
• Councilwoman Christina Willauer (5th District)
• Councilman Christopher Johnson (7th District)
• Councilman Alexander Hackett (At-Large)

Council members voting against the legislation were:

• Councilwoman Michelle Harlee (4th District)
• Councilman Nathan Field (8th District)
• Councilman James Spadola (At-Large)
• Councilwoman Maria Cabrera (At-Large)
• Councilwoman Latisha Bracy (At-Large)

Councilwoman Yolanda McCoy was absent.

“For six years, I have refused to give up because I knew families were depending on us to act,” said Councilwoman Darby. “Today, Wilmington took an important step toward recognizing that access to water is a matter of public health, human dignity, and basic compassion. I am grateful to everyone who stood with this effort from beginning to end.”

What’s Next: The approved ordinance now heads to Mayor John Carney for his signature, who has 10 days to either sign the bill into law, veto the bill, or take no action. If vetoed, the bill returns to Council, where a veto may be overridden with a 2/3 vote. If the Mayor takes no action within 10 days, the bill becomes law.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Yesenia Taveras
Director of Communications
Wilmington City Council | City of Wilmington, DE
Office: (302)576-2585
Mobile: (302)757-5748
Email: ytaveras@wilmingtonde.gov
City Council’s Website: www.wilmingtoncitycouncil.com