Is Clayton, DE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Clayton, DE — Water Quality Report
Clayton's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 7,014 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Clayton's water
Clayton ranks #7 out of 43 cities in Delaware for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Clayton relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clayton, DE water safe to drink?
Clayton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 7,014 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clayton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clayton's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4627). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4566). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clayton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clayton's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
New Castle County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Christina River, East Branch White Clay Creek At Avondale, Trout Run At Avondale, Middle Branch White Clay Creek Near West Grove,Pa, West Branch White Clay Creek Near Chesterville.
Where does Clayton's water come from?
Clayton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 7,014 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Christina River (river), East Branch White Clay Creek At Avondale (river), Trout Run At Avondale (river), Middle Branch White Clay Creek Near West Grove,Pa (river), West Branch White Clay Creek Near Chesterville (river).
What Clayton residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Clayton's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Clayton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clayton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HMA CONCRETE LLC DBA HERITAGE CONCRETE MIDDLETOWN FACILITY TOWNSEND, DE19734 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
GARRISON ENERGY CENTER DOVER, DE19901 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
METAL MASTERS FOOD SERVICE EQU IPMENT CO CLAYTON, DE19938 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
HANOVER FOODS CORP CLAYTON, DE19938 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
HMA CONCRETE LLC DBA HERITAGE CONCRETE CHESWOLD FACILITY CHESWOLD, DE19936 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Clayton
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- DOVER GAS LIGHT CO9.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtKent County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
New Castle County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clayton compares by contaminant
Explore where Clayton ranks among all Delaware cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clayton's water comes from
Clayton's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 7,014 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clayton
Clayton is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clayton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTESIAN NORTHERN KENT REGIONAL | DE00A0673 | 7,014 | GW |
How Clayton compares
Full Delaware rankings →Clayton's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major Delaware cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Delaware rankings →About Clayton, DE
Wikipedia →Newark is a city in New Castle County, Delaware, United States. Home to the University of Delaware, it is located 8 miles (13 km) west-southwest of Wilmington and 28 miles (45 km) southwest of Philadelphia. According to the 2020 census, the town's population is 30,601. It constitutes part of the Delaware Valley, and the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clayton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kent
Frequently asked questions
Is Clayton, DE tap water safe to drink?
Clayton's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #7 out of 43 cities tested in Delaware.
What contaminants are in Clayton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Clayton's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Clayton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clayton's water come from?
Clayton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 7,014 residents.
What health violations has Clayton's water system had?
Clayton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Clayton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clayton uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 2 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Clayton's water compare to other cities?
Clayton ranks #7 out of 43 cities in Delaware (better than 84% of state cities) and #2564 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.