Is Harrington, DE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.8/100
waterverge.com Harrington, DE — Water Quality Report
Harrington's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,875 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 38 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Harrington's water
Harrington ranks #19 out of 43 cities in Delaware for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Harrington 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harrington, DE water safe to drink?
Harrington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,875 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Harrington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harrington's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.8/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4566). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4090). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Harrington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Harrington's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
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 Murderkill River, Beaverdam Branch, Haven Lake Outlet, Marshyhope Creek.
Where does Harrington's water come from?
Harrington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 3,875 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Murderkill River (stream), Beaverdam Branch (river), Haven Lake Outlet (lake), Marshyhope Creek (river).
What Harrington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Harrington'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.
Harrington'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 Harrington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Harrington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DENTSPLY SIRONA - MILFORD SITE MILFORD, DE19963 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
PERDUE FOODS LLC - MILFORD PROCESSING PLANT MILFORD, DE19963 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
BALTIMORE AIRCOIL CO MILFORD, DE19963 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Harrington compares by contaminant
Explore where Harrington ranks among all Delaware cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harrington's water comes from
Harrington'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 3,875 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Harrington
Harrington is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Harrington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARRINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT | DE0000126 | 3,562 | GW |
| MESSICK'S MHC LLC SYSTEM 5 | DE0020065 | 97 | GW |
| MESSICK'S MHC LLC SYSTEM 4 | DE0020064 | 72 | GW |
| MESSICK'S MHC LLC SYSTEM 6 | DE0020066 | 63 | GW |
| MESSICK'S MHC LLC SYSTEM 3 | DE0020063 | 45 | GW |
| MESSICK'S MHC LLC SYSTEM 2 | DE0020062 | 36 | GW |
How Harrington compares
Full Delaware rankings →Harrington's score of 80.8/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major Delaware cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Delaware rankings →About Harrington, DE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harrington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kent
Frequently asked questions
Is Harrington, DE tap water safe to drink?
Harrington's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 43 cities tested in Delaware.
What contaminants are in Harrington's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Harrington'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 Harrington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harrington's water come from?
Harrington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 3,875 residents.
What health violations has Harrington's water system had?
Harrington has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Harrington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Harrington 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 38 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 Harrington's water compare to other cities?
Harrington ranks #19 out of 43 cities in Delaware (better than 56% of state cities) and #7710 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.