Is Greenwood, 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 ↓
83.9/100
waterverge.com Greenwood, DE — Water Quality Report
Greenwood's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,188 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 31 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Greenwood's water
Greenwood ranks #14 out of 43 cities in Delaware for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Greenwood 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, Greenwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Greenwood, DE water safe to drink?
Greenwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,188 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Greenwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Greenwood's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4090). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3357). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Greenwood'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
Greenwood's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sussex 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 Beaverdam Branch, Haven Lake Outlet, Nanticoke River, Bucks Branch Ds Of Conrail, Hearns Pond.
Where does Greenwood's water come from?
Greenwood's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,188 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Beaverdam Branch (river), Haven Lake Outlet (lake), Nanticoke River (river), Bucks Branch Ds Of Conrail (river), Hearns Pond (lake).
What Greenwood residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Greenwood'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.
Greenwood'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 Greenwood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Greenwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THE PICTSWEET CO - BRIDGEVILLE DE PLANT BRIDGEVILLE, DE19933 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
BRIDGEVILLE FEED MILL & GRAIN STORAGE BRIDGEVILLE, DE19933 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
ALLEN HARIM FARMS LLC- SEAFORD MILL SEAFORD, DE19973 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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
Sussex 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Greenwood'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. | 3.15 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.147 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Greenwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Greenwood ranks among all Delaware cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Greenwood's water comes from
Greenwood'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 1,188 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Greenwood
Greenwood is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Greenwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREENWOOD WATER DEPARTMENT | DE0000558 | 973 | GW |
| GREENWOOD LIFE COMMUNITY | DE0020120 | 100 | GW |
| COUNTRY REST HOME | DE0000275 | 65 | GW |
| GREENWOOD COUNTRY RETIREMENT | DE0002275 | 50 | GW |
How Greenwood compares
Full Delaware rankings →Greenwood's score of 83.9/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major Delaware cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Delaware rankings →About Greenwood, DE
Wikipedia →Greenwood is a town in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. As of the 2020 census, Greenwood had a population of 990. It is part of the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Greenwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Is Greenwood, DE tap water safe to drink?
Greenwood's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #14 out of 43 cities tested in Delaware.
What contaminants are in Greenwood's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Greenwood'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 Greenwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Greenwood's water come from?
Greenwood's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,188 residents.
What health violations has Greenwood's water system had?
Greenwood has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Greenwood's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Greenwood 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 31 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 Greenwood's water compare to other cities?
Greenwood ranks #14 out of 43 cities in Delaware (better than 67% of state cities) and #6193 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.