Is Delaware Water Gap, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 70 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Delaware Water Gap, PA — Water Quality Report
Delaware Water Gap's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 196 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 70 remain unresolved.
What to know about Delaware Water Gap's water
Delaware Water Gap ranks #378 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Delaware Water Gap 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 Water Gap may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 48 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Delaware Water Gap, PA water safe to drink?
Delaware Water Gap's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Delaware Water Gap
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Delaware Water Gap's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate, DICHLOROMETHANE, o-Dichlorobenzene.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Delaware Water Gap's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Delaware Water Gap's water system has 196 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 70 remain unresolved. 48 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Monroe County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Bush Kill At Shoemakers, Delaware River Near Delaware Water Gap Pa, Brodhead Creek Near Analomink, Pocono Creek Ab Wigwam Run Near Stroudsburg, Brodhead Creek At Minisink Hills.
Where does Delaware Water Gap's water come from?
Delaware Water Gap's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 850 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bush Kill At Shoemakers (river), Delaware River Near Delaware Water Gap Pa (river), Brodhead Creek Near Analomink (river), Pocono Creek Ab Wigwam Run Near Stroudsburg (river), Brodhead Creek At Minisink Hills (river).
What Delaware Water Gap residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Delaware Water Gap'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.
Delaware Water Gap'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 Water Gap
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Delaware Water Gap, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 29,352 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DSM NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS LLC BELVIDERE, NJ07823 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 29,347 | 9.5 mi |
ALL WEATHER INSULATED PANELS EAST STROUDSBURG, PA18301 | Diisocyanates | 5 | 5.0 mi |
WESTROCK CONVERTING CO LLC STROUDSBURG MILL DELAWARE WATER GAP, PA18327 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 2.0 mi |
BIOSPECTRA BANGOR FACILITY BANGOR, PA18013 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
ROYAL CHEMICAL CO EAST STROUDSBURG, PA18301 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMonroe County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Monroe County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.2 ppb (1993)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Delaware Water Gap compares by contaminant
Explore where Delaware Water Gap ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Delaware Water Gap's water comes from
Delaware Water Gap'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 850 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Delaware Water Gap
Delaware Water Gap 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 Water Gap
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DELAWARE WATER GAP BORO | PA2450022 | 850 | GW |
How Delaware Water Gap compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Delaware Water Gap's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Delaware Water Gap, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Delaware Water Gap's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Monroe
Frequently asked questions
Is Delaware Water Gap, PA tap water safe to drink?
Delaware Water Gap's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #378 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Delaware Water Gap's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 196 violations are on record.
How is Delaware Water Gap'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 Water Gap?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Delaware Water Gap's water come from?
Delaware Water Gap's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.
What health violations has Delaware Water Gap's water system had?
Delaware Water Gap has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 70 violations remain unresolved.
Is Delaware Water Gap's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Delaware Water Gap 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 196 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 Water Gap's water compare to other cities?
Delaware Water Gap ranks #378 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 32% of state cities) and #14071 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Delaware Water Gap's small water system affect quality?
Delaware Water Gap's system serves approximately 850 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 196 violations on record.