Water Quality in Delaware: Complete Guide
Everything homeowners need to know about Delaware tap water - hardness, contaminants, treatment options, and costs.
Quick summary: Delaware has an average water hardness of 31 PPM across 5 cities. 0% of cities have hard water above 120 PPM. PFAS contamination is detected above EPA limits in at least one city. Most households do not need water softening equipment.
Water Hardness Across Delaware
Delaware's water hardness ranges from 22 PPM in Wilmington to 52 PPM in Dover, with a statewide average of 31 PPM. This makes Delaware one of the softer-water states. The national average is approximately 120 PPM.
The majority of Delaware cities rely on groundwater sources (wells and aquifers), which tend to pick up more dissolved minerals from underground rock formations.
Contaminants of Concern in Delaware
PFAS: The average PFAS level across Delaware cities is 21.2 ppt. Newark has the highest detected PFAS at 61.3 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. Residents should consider a reverse osmosis or NSF P473-certified filter for drinking water.
Lead: Lead contamination comes from plumbing infrastructure, not the water source. Delaware homes built before 1986 are at higher risk due to lead solder. All cities in our database show lead levels below 5 ppb.
Do You Need a Water Softener in Delaware?
For most Delaware residents, no. Only 0% of cities have hard water above 120 PPM. However, individual situations vary - check your city page for specific data.
Impact of Hard Water in Delaware
With an average hardness of 31 PPM, most Delaware households do not face significant hard water impact. However, homes with hardness above 120 PPM should evaluate treatment options.