Is Frankford, DE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.4/100
waterverge.com Frankford, DE — Water Quality Report
Frankford's drinking water received a grade of B (75.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 932 residents using purchased ground water.
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 40 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Frankford's water
Frankford ranks #33 out of 43 cities in Delaware for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Frankford purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Frankford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Frankford, DE water safe to drink?
Frankford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 932 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Frankford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Frankford's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Frankford's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Frankford's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 2 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 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 Frankford's water come from?
Frankford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 932 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 Frankford residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Frankford'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.
Frankford'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 Frankford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Frankford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MOUNTAIRE FARMS INC - FRANKFORD FEED MILL FRANKFORD, DE19945 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
INDIAN RIVER GENERATING STATION DAGSBORO, DE19939 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
INTERVET INC. (DBA MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH) MILLSBORO, DE19966 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
MOUNTAIRE FARMS OF DELAWARE INC MILLSBORO, DE19966 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
ALLEN HARIM FOODS LLC - MILLSBORO MILLSBORO, DE19966 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Frankford
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.
- NCR CORP MILLSBORO PLANT4.7 mi
- MILLSBORO TCE5.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSussex 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Frankford's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 11.65 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 11.650 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Frankford compares by contaminant
Explore where Frankford ranks among all Delaware cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Frankford's water comes from
Frankford purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Frankford's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 932 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Frankford
Frankford is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Frankford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRIENDSHIP CREEK | DE0020119 | 366 | GWP |
| SYCAMORE CHASE (AWC) | DE0020121 | 291 | GWP |
| PEPPER RIDGE PARK | DE0000464 | 209 | GWP |
| COUNTRYSIDE HAMLET | DE0000817 | 66 | GW |
How Frankford compares
Full Delaware rankings →Frankford's score of 75.4/100 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 Frankford, 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 Frankford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Is Frankford, DE tap water safe to drink?
Frankford's water quality earned a grade of B (75.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #33 out of 43 cities tested in Delaware.
What contaminants are in Frankford's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Frankford'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 Frankford?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Frankford's water come from?
Frankford's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 932 residents.
What health violations has Frankford's water system had?
Frankford has 20 health-based violations 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Frankford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Frankford 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 40 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 Frankford's water compare to other cities?
Frankford ranks #33 out of 43 cities in Delaware (better than 23% of state cities) and #9603 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.