Is Delaware City, DE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Delaware City ranks. What to do next ↓
96.9/100
waterverge.com Delaware City, DE — Water Quality Report
Delaware City's drinking water received a grade of A+ (96.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,610 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Delaware City's water
Delaware City ranks #1 out of 43 cities in Delaware for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Delaware City 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, Delaware City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Delaware City, DE water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Delaware City's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (96.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,610 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Delaware City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Delaware City's water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (96.9/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Delaware City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Delaware City's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
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 Delaware City's water come from?
Delaware City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,610 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 Delaware City 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.
Delaware City'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 Delaware City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Delaware City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4,756,077 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DELAWARE CITY REFINERY DELAWARE CITY, DE19706 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 4,352,506 | 0.3 mi |
CHEMOURS CHAMBERS WORKS DEEPWATER, NJ08023 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 403,473 | 9.4 mi |
V&S DELAWARE GALVANIZING LLC NEW CASTLE, DE19720 | Zinc compounds | 97 | 5.4 mi |
ROGERS CORP - BEAR BEAR, DE19701 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
NEXPERA - RED LION PLANT NEW CASTLE, DE19720 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Delaware City
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.
- STANDARD CHLORINE OF DELAWARE INC2.8 mi
- DELAWARE CITY PVC PLANT3.0 mi
- TYBOUTS CORNER LANDFILL4.1 mi
- DELAWARE SAND GRAVEL LANDFILL5.4 mi
- ARMY CREEK LANDFILL5.5 mi
+ 5 more sites
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtNew Castle 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Delaware City compares by contaminant
Explore where Delaware City ranks among all Delaware cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Delaware City's water comes from
Delaware City'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,610 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Delaware City
Delaware City is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Delaware City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DELAWARE CITY WATER DEPARTMENT (AWC) | DE0000566 | 2,610 | GW |
How Delaware City compares
Full Delaware rankings →Delaware City's score of 96.9/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major Delaware cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Delaware rankings →About Delaware City, 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 Delaware City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across New Castle
Frequently asked questions
Is Delaware City, DE tap water safe to drink?
Delaware City's water quality earned a grade of A+ (96.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #1 out of 43 cities tested in Delaware.
What contaminants are in Delaware City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Delaware City'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 Delaware City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Delaware City's water come from?
Delaware City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,610 residents.
Is Delaware City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Delaware City 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 3 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 Delaware City's water compare to other cities?
Delaware City ranks #1 out of 43 cities in Delaware (better than 98% of state cities) and #125 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Delaware City's small water system affect quality?
Delaware City's system serves approximately 2,610 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 3 violations on record.