B66/100
Delaware Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 193,895 residents · Ohio
What's In Delaware's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
DELAWARE CITY PWS
Population Served
43,895
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
OH2100311
DEL-CO WATER COMPANY, INC.
Population Served
150,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
OH2101412
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware Water
Is Delaware tap water safe to drink?
Delaware, Ohio tap water receives a grade of B (66/100), which is considered good. Out of 77 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 3 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Delaware's water?
Of the 77 contaminants tested in Delaware's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), strontium. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Delaware have any water quality violations?
Yes, Delaware has 34 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2014. Violation types include MCL, MR, TT. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Delaware?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Delaware is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Delaware's tap water come from?
Delaware's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by DELAWARE CITY PWS and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 193,895 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Delaware's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Delaware's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Delaware's water compare to other cities in Ohio?
Delaware's water quality score of 66/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Ohio state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Delaware's water quality?
If you have concerns about Delaware's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (DELAWARE CITY PWS) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.