Is Milton, 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 ↓
78.7/100
waterverge.com Milton, DE — Water Quality Report
Milton's drinking water received a grade of B (78.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 4,340 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 32 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Milton's water
Milton ranks #25 out of 43 cities in Delaware for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Milton 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Milton, DE water safe to drink?
Milton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 4,340 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Milton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Milton's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Milton's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Milton's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 Haven Lake Outlet, Broadkill River.
Where does Milton's water come from?
Milton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 4,340 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Haven Lake Outlet (lake), Broadkill River (river).
What Milton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Milton'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Milton'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 Milton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Milton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 561,613 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PERDUE FOODS LLC - GEORGETOWN PROCESSING PLANT GEORGETOWN, DE19947 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 561,613 | 6.3 mi |
JUSTIN TANKS LLC GEORGETOWN, DE19947 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
ALLEN HARIM FOODS LLC - HARBESON HARBESON, DE19951 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
SPI PHARMA INC. LEWES, DE19958 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Milton
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.
- GEORGETOWN NORTH GROUNDWATER6.9 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
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 Milton'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. | 7.2 | 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. | 1.51 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.508 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Milton compares by contaminant
Explore where Milton ranks among all Delaware cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Milton's water comes from
Milton'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 4,340 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Milton
Milton is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Milton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MILTON WATER DEPARTMENT | DE0000629 | 3,200 | GW |
| GRANTS WAY PUMP DISTRICT (TUI) | DE00A0522 | 639 | GW |
| THE VINES OF SANDHILL (AWC) | DE0020099 | 336 | GW |
| TEAL POINT (TUI) | DE00A0321 | 117 | GW |
| BRUMBLEY'S FAMILY PARK | DE00A0697 | 48 | GW |
How Milton compares
Full Delaware rankings →Milton's score of 78.7/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major Delaware cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Delaware rankings →About Milton, DE
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Milton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Is Milton, DE tap water safe to drink?
Milton's water quality earned a grade of B (78.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #25 out of 43 cities tested in Delaware.
What contaminants are in Milton's water?
Lead was measured at 7.2 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Milton'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 Milton?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Milton's water come from?
Milton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 4,340 residents.
What health violations has Milton's water system had?
Milton has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Milton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Milton 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 32 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 Milton's water compare to other cities?
Milton ranks #25 out of 43 cities in Delaware (better than 42% of state cities) and #8567 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.