Is Selbyville, DE Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.4/100
waterverge.com Selbyville, DE — Water Quality Report
Selbyville's drinking water received a grade of A (92.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,502 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 8 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Selbyville's water
Selbyville ranks #4 out of 43 cities in Delaware for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Selbyville 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 Selbyville, DE water safe to drink?
Selbyville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,502 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Selbyville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Selbyville's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Selbyville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Selbyville's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
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 Millsboro Pond Outlet, Beaverdam Ditch, Birch Branch, Pocomoke River, Assawoman Canal At Rt 26 At Ocean View.
Where does Selbyville's water come from?
Selbyville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,502 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Millsboro Pond Outlet (river), Beaverdam Ditch (river), Birch Branch (river), Pocomoke River (river), Assawoman Canal At Rt 26 At Ocean View (stream).
What Selbyville residents can do
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.
Selbyville'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 Selbyville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Selbyville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MOUNTAIRE FARMS INC - FRANKFORD FEED MILL FRANKFORD, DE19945 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
INDIAN RIVER GENERATING STATION DAGSBORO, DE19939 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
INTERVET INC. (DBA MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH) MILLSBORO, DE19966 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
MOUNTAIRE FARMS OF DELAWARE INC MILLSBORO, DE19966 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
ALLEN HARIM FOODS LLC - MILLSBORO MILLSBORO, DE19966 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Selbyville
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.
- NCR CORP MILLSBORO PLANT8.8 mi
- MILLSBORO TCE9.8 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.
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 Selbyville compares by contaminant
Explore where Selbyville ranks among all Delaware cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Selbyville's water comes from
Selbyville'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 3,502 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Selbyville
Selbyville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Selbyville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SELBYVILLE WATER DEPARTMENT | DE0000654 | 3,502 | GW |
How Selbyville compares
Full Delaware rankings →Selbyville's score of 92.4/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major Delaware cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Delaware rankings →About Selbyville, DE
Wikipedia →Selbyville is a town in Sussex County, Delaware, United States. As of the 2020 census, Selbyville had a population of 2,878. It is part of the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Selbyville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Is Selbyville, DE tap water safe to drink?
Selbyville's water quality earned a grade of A (92.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #4 out of 43 cities tested in Delaware.
What contaminants are in Selbyville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Selbyville'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 Selbyville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Selbyville's water come from?
Selbyville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,502 residents.
What health violations has Selbyville's water system had?
Selbyville has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Selbyville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Selbyville 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 8 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 Selbyville's water compare to other cities?
Selbyville ranks #4 out of 43 cities in Delaware (better than 91% of state cities) and #1246 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.