Is Delaware Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Water quality data for 5 cities across Delaware. Find your city below.
Water quality in Delaware varies significantly from city to city. Across 5 cities we track, hardness ranges from 22 PPM in Wilmington to 52 PPM in Dover, with a statewide average of 31 PPM. Most cities in Delaware have relatively soft water, so a softener is generally unnecessary.
2 Delaware cities have forever chemicals (PFAS) above the EPA's 2024 limit of 4 parts per trillion: Newark (61.3 ppt), Wilmington (44.52 ppt). A reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter can reduce PFAS to safe levels.
Complete Delaware Guide
Statewide water quality overview, costs, and treatment recommendations.
Well Water in Delaware
Testing, treatment, and common issues for private wells.
Hardest Water Rankings
Delaware cities ranked by water hardness level.
City Comparisons
Dover vs Wilmington
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Dover vs Middletown
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Middletown vs Smyrna
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Delaware Cities by Water Hardness
| City | Hardness (PPM) | Level | PFAS (ppt) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | 52 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Groundwater wells |
| Middletown | 30 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Artesian Water wells |
| Smyrna | 28 | Slightly Hard | 0 | Local wells |
| Newark | 25 | Slightly Hard | 61.3 | White Clay Creek & Hoopes Reservoir |
| Wilmington | 22 | Slightly Hard | 44.52 | Brandywine Creek |