Is Frederica, DE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.5/100
waterverge.com Frederica, DE — Water Quality Report
Frederica's drinking water received a grade of A (92.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,811 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 19 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Frederica's water
Frederica ranks #3 out of 43 cities in Delaware for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Frederica 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, Frederica may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Frederica, DE water safe to drink?
Frederica's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (92.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,811 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Frederica
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Frederica's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4566). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4090). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Frederica's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Frederica's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Kent County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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 Morgan Branch, Pipe Elm Branch, St Jones River, Unnamed Pond, Murderkill River.
Where does Frederica's water come from?
Frederica's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,811 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Morgan Branch (river), Pipe Elm Branch (river), St Jones River (stream), Unnamed Pond (lake), Murderkill River (stream).
What Frederica residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Frederica'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.
Frederica'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 Frederica
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Frederica, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRIFFITH ENERGY SERVICES INC CARL KING INC DOVER, DE19901 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
US DOD USAF DOVER AFB DOVER AFB, DE199025600 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
HANDYTUBE LLC CAMDEN, DE19934 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
DENTSPLY SIRONA - MILFORD SITE MILFORD, DE19963 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
PERDUE FOODS LLC - MILFORD PROCESSING PLANT MILFORD, DE19963 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Frederica
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 AIR FORCE BASE8.3 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
Kent County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1992. 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 Frederica compares by contaminant
Explore where Frederica ranks among all Delaware cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Frederica's water comes from
Frederica'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 1,811 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Frederica
Frederica is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Frederica
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREDERICA WATER DEPARTMENT | DE0000587 | 950 | GW |
| FREDERICA PUMP DISTRICT | DE0020007 | 861 | GW |
How Frederica compares
Full Delaware rankings →Frederica's score of 92.5/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major Delaware cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Delaware rankings →About Frederica, DE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Frederica's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kent
Frequently asked questions
Is Frederica, DE tap water safe to drink?
Frederica's water quality earned a grade of A (92.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #3 out of 43 cities tested in Delaware.
What contaminants are in Frederica's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Frederica'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 Frederica?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Frederica's water come from?
Frederica's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,811 residents.
What health violations has Frederica's water system had?
Frederica has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2006. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Frederica's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Frederica 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 19 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 Frederica's water compare to other cities?
Frederica ranks #3 out of 43 cities in Delaware (better than 93% of state cities) and #1221 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.