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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 10 cities in Delaware
Mostly yes. None of the 9 Delaware water systems we grade from EPA records has a health-based violation in the last five years, and the state averages 87/100 (1 below the national 88). Lead from a home's own plumbing is the risk city data cannot see.
Delaware's official certified-lab list, when to test well vs city water, typical lab prices, and how to take a first-draw lead sample.
Across the 9 Delaware water systems we can grade from EPA records, the average score is 87/100 — 1 points below the U.S. national average of 88/100. 44% of graded Delaware cities (4 of 9) score above that national benchmark, and 4 earn a Grade A. None has a health-based EPA violation in the last five years. 1 city is not graded because we have not yet matched it to an EPA water system.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Delaware water systems are disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure) and nitrates (agricultural areas). See the full breakdown in our Delaware water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Delaware
39,491 residents
17,700 residents
9,800 residents
5,549 residents
6,699 residents
107,976 residents
40,000 residents
11,813 residents
7,259 residents
5,814 residents
No EPA water-system match yet — no score.
This state's water quality reflects local geographic conditions, industrial activities, and water infrastructure. Water quality can vary significantly between communities, with some areas enjoying excellent tap water while others face contamination challenges requiring treatment.
Across the 9 Delaware cities graded from EPA records, the average water quality score is 87/100. The highest-rated city is Dover with a score of 100/100, while Georgetown has the most room for improvement at 74/100.
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Water sources typically include a combination of surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and groundwater. The specific sources serving your community depend on local geography and infrastructure. Check your local water utility's Consumer Confidence Report for details about your water source.
These contaminants have been detected in various Delaware water systems
State environmental and health agencies oversee drinking water quality in compliance with federal EPA standards. Public water systems are required to test regularly and report results to residents through annual Consumer Confidence Reports.
Water quality concerns vary by location. Common issues include lead from older plumbing, agricultural runoff in rural areas, and industrial contamination near manufacturing sites. Check your local water quality report and consider testing if you have specific concerns.
Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand local water quality. Consider having your water tested if you use a private well or have concerns about your plumbing. Water filters certified to remove specific contaminants can address most common water quality issues.
Most Delaware cities we grade have tap water in good standing with EPA. With an average score of 87/100 across 9 graded cities, Delaware generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by utility, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Delaware include disinfection byproducts (chlorination), lead (older infrastructure), nitrates (agricultural areas). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. Most Delaware cities have water that meets EPA standards, though some residents prefer additional filtration for taste or extra protection. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Delaware are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Delaware water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Delaware. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Delaware city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
On EPA records, Dover has the highest water quality score in Delaware at 100/100 (Grade A). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Delaware page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Delaware are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area