Is Ocean View, DE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.5/100
waterverge.com Ocean View, DE — Water Quality Report
Ocean View's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,040 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 20 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ocean View's water
Ocean View ranks #9 out of 43 cities in Delaware for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Ocean View 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, Ocean View may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ocean View, DE water safe to drink?
Ocean View's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,040 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ocean View
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ocean View's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.5/100).
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 Ocean View's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ocean View's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 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 Bethany Beach Canal, Beaverdam Ditch, Birch Branch, Assawoman Canal At Rt 26 At Ocean View, Assawoman Canal.
Where does Ocean View's water come from?
Ocean View's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,040 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bethany Beach Canal (stream), Beaverdam Ditch (river), Birch Branch (river), Assawoman Canal At Rt 26 At Ocean View (stream), Assawoman Canal (stream).
What Ocean View residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ocean View'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.
Ocean View'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 Ocean View
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ocean View, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MOUNTAIRE FARMS INC - FRANKFORD FEED MILL FRANKFORD, DE19945 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
INDIAN RIVER GENERATING STATION DAGSBORO, DE19939 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
MOUNTAIRE FARMS OF DELAWARE INC MILLSBORO, DE19966 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
ALLEN HARIM FOODS LLC - MILLSBORO MILLSBORO, DE19966 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
MOUNTAIRE FARMS INC. - SELBYVILLE PLANT SELBYVILLE, DE19975 | — | — | 7.9 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.
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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ocean View compares by contaminant
Explore where Ocean View ranks among all Delaware cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ocean View's water comes from
Ocean View'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 1,040 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Ocean View
Ocean View is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ocean View
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAYSHORE MOBILE HOME PARK | DE0000252 | 533 | GW |
| CEDAR LANDING | DE00A0424 | 357 | GW |
| QUILLENS POINT | DE0000924 | 150 | GW |
How Ocean View compares
Full Delaware rankings →Ocean View's score of 87.5/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major Delaware cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Delaware rankings →About Ocean View, DE
Wikipedia →Ocean View is a town in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. As of the 2020 census, Ocean View had a population of 2,636. It is part of the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area and lies in Baltimore Hundred.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ocean View's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Is Ocean View, DE tap water safe to drink?
Ocean View's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #9 out of 43 cities tested in Delaware.
What contaminants are in Ocean View's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Ocean View'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 Ocean View?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ocean View's water come from?
Ocean View's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,040 residents.
What health violations has Ocean View's water system had?
Ocean View has 12 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ocean View's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ocean View 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 20 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 Ocean View's water compare to other cities?
Ocean View ranks #9 out of 43 cities in Delaware (better than 79% of state cities) and #4036 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.