Is Davenport, DE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.2/100
waterverge.com Davenport, DE — Water Quality Report
Davenport's drinking water received a grade of B (76.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 29 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Davenport's water
Davenport ranks #31 out of 43 cities in Delaware for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Davenport 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.
As a small community water system, Davenport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Davenport, DE water safe to drink?
Davenport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Davenport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Davenport's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.2/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Davenport's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Davenport's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Chester Creek Near Chester, Delaware River At Marcus Hook, Shellpot Creek, Pike Creek, White Clay Creek.
Where does Davenport's water come from?
Davenport's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chester Creek Near Chester (river), Delaware River At Marcus Hook (river), Shellpot Creek (river), Pike Creek (river), White Clay Creek (river).
What Davenport residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Davenport's water.
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.
Davenport'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
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Davenport compares by contaminant
Explore where Davenport ranks among all Delaware cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Davenport's water comes from
Davenport'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 1,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Davenport
Davenport is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Davenport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNLAKE TERRACE WATER SYSTEMS | FL6534886 | 1,000 | GW |
How Davenport compares
Full Delaware rankings →Davenport's score of 76.2/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major Delaware cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Delaware rankings →About Davenport, DE
Wikipedia →Wilmington is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Delaware. It lies at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. The population was 70,898 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities near the Delaware Valley metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Davenport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Davenport, DE tap water safe to drink?
Davenport's water quality earned a grade of B (76.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #31 out of 43 cities tested in Delaware.
What contaminants are in Davenport's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Davenport'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 Davenport?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Davenport's water come from?
Davenport's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 residents.
What health violations has Davenport's water system had?
Davenport has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Davenport's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Davenport 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 29 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 Davenport's water compare to other cities?
Davenport ranks #31 out of 43 cities in Delaware (better than 28% of state cities) and #9375 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Davenport's small water system affect quality?
Davenport's system serves approximately 1,000 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 29 violations on record.