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Is Wilmington Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:49 pm, July 17, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Wilmington?

Yes, Wilmington's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Wilmington has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Wilmington's water utility, Wilmington Water Department, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Wilmington was resolved on May 31, 2015. This assessment is based on the Wilmington Water Department water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Water Quality Report for Wilmington Tap Water

The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Wilmington tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.

Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.

EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.

There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.

We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Wilmington's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.

Wilmington Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Wilmington Water Department for Wilmington in Delaware. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

For the compliance period beginning Oct. 1, 2017, Wilmington had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Failure Submit Treatment Requirement Rpt which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

For the compliance period beginning July 1, 2015, Wilmington had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Other Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report which falls into the Other rule code group, and the Consumer Confidence Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: Consumer Confidence Rule.

From May 1, 2015 to May 31, 2015, Wilmington had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (LT2) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Cryptosporidium.

For the compliance period beginning May 1, 2015, Wilmington had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (LT2) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

From April 1, 2015 to April 30, 2015, Wilmington had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (LT2) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Cryptosporidium.

For the compliance period beginning April 1, 2015, Wilmington had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Source Water (LT2) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

From July 1, 2013 to July 31, 2013, Wilmington had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Monthly (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).

Is there Lead in Wilmington Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Wilmington water system, Wilmington Water Department, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0022 mg/L of lead in Wilmington water. This is 14.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Wilmington contained more lead.

While Wilmington water testing may have found 0.0022 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Wilmington Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Stern Armory - near Wilmington with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Wilmington has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Wilmington SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
10/01/2017 - Resolved Yes Treatment Technique Violation (TT) Failure Submit Treatment Requirement Rpt (33) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (123) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0800) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
07/01/2015 - Resolved No Other Violation (Other) Consumer Confidence Report Complete Failure to Report (71) Consumer Confidence Rule (420) Consumer Confidence Rule (7000) Other (400) Consumer Confidence Rule (420)
05/01/2015 - 05/31/2015 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Source Water (LT2) (32) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (123) Cryptosporidium (3015) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
05/01/2015 - Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Source Water (LT2) (32) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (123) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0800) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
04/01/2015 - 04/30/2015 Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Source Water (LT2) (32) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (123) Cryptosporidium (3015) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
04/01/2015 - Resolved No Monitoring and Reporting (MR) Monitoring, Source Water (LT2) (32) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (123) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0800) Microbials (100) Surface Water Treatment Rules (120)
07/01/2013 - 07/31/2013 Resolved Yes Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Monthly (TCR) (22) Total Coliform Rule (110) Coliform (TCR) (3100) Microbials (100) Total Coliform Rules (110)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
show details
Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
show details
Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
show details
Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
show details
Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Wilmington Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT WILMINGTON CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Wilmington water provider, Wilmington Water Department, please use the information below.
By Phone: 302-576-3017
By Email: coh@wilmingtonde.gov
By Mail: Water Work Center
203 E. 26th Street
WILMINGTON, DE, 19801
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR WILMINGTON WATER DEPARTMENT
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Wilmington Water Department account to pay their Wilmington water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Wilmington Water Department bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Wilmington water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Wilmington water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP WILMINGTON WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Wilmington means you will often need to put the water in your name with Wilmington Water Department. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Wilmington means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Wilmington Water Department. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Wilmington tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 50% Moderate
  • Water Pollution 50% Moderate
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 50% Moderate
  • Water Quality 50% Moderate

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Wilmington, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Wilmington Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)

The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Wilmington's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

C I T Y O F W I L M I N G T O N

WATER QUALITY REPORT 2020

Published by the City of Wilmington Department of Public Works Water Division

To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in public water systems. The EPA requires the City of Wilmington, and all other water suppliers in the U.S., to report annually on specific details about testing for a number of contaminants in our water. Chemical and biological monitoring provide the data that helps suppliers, such as the City of Wilmington, make key water quality management decisions to ensure freshness and purity. This report, published in the spring of 2021, includes water quality information for the 2020 calendar year.

(Full report continues on page 2)

A Word from the Commissioner

Kelly A. Williams, Commissioner, Department of Public Works

The City of Wilmington continues its commitment of providing our consumers with clean and reliable drinking water today and for future generations. This report, published in the spring of 2021, includes water quality information for the 2020 calendar year. The EPA requires all water utilities to produce and distribute water quality reports on an annual basis.

The City of Wilmington’s Water Utility provides clean drinking water services to a population of about 110,000. That equates to approximately 38,000 residential and business customers located inside and outside of Wilmington’s City limits. We understand that this is a stressful time for our community and for the households we serve due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the City created the Utility Payment Assistance Program to offer assistance to all qualified individuals 18 and over.

City residents can request up to $3,000 to pay delinquent water/ sewer bills. Funding from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will be available until December 30, 2021 or sooner if available funding is dispersed before the end

of this year. For more information on the program and to find

out if you are eligible for assistance go to wilmingtonde.gov/ government/city-departments/finance/utility-

payment-assistance-program.

Jr.

We are proud to bring you this year’s Water Quality

Water

Report. I hope you find it helpful and informative. If

Works

you have questions don’t hesitate to call or e-mail

the appropriate personnel listed inside the report.

Kids Activities

pages 10-11

 

 

All About Water

SPRING 2021 CITY OF WILMINGTON PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM • IDENTIFICATION # DE0000663

Conservation

2020 WATER QUALITY REPORT

Sources Of Drinking Water

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or human activity.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. Contaminants that may be present in source water include:

  • Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
  • Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
  • Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.
  • Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.
  • Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.

During disinfection, certain byproducts form as a result of chemical reactions between chlorine and naturally occurring organic matter in water. These are carefully controlled to keep disinfection effective and byproduct levels low.

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. For more information on Lead in drinking water see page 9 of this report.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.

Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

The Division of Public Health, in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), has conducted source water assessments for nearly all community water systems

in the state. The assessment may also be viewed at this website:

delawaresourcewater.org.

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C I T Y O F W I L M I N G T O N W A T E R Q U A L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 2 0

 

 

 

Table 1: Water Quality Results - Detected Primary[1] Parameters at ENTRY POINTS to Distribution System

Brandywine Filter Plant

Porter Filter Plant

 

 

[2]

MCL[3]

Range

Highest

 

Range of

Highest

 

 

Contaminant

Units

MCLG

or TT[4][5]

of Levels

Detected

Violation

Levels

Detected

Violation

Likely Source of Contamination

 

 

 

 

Detected

Level

 

Detected

Level

 

 

Microbiological Indicators [6]

Turbidity -

% of

 

95% of monthly samples must be

samples

N/A

Percentile

less than 0.3.

below 0.3

 

 

 

 

Turbidity - Values

NTU

 

No sample must ever exceed 1.0.

100 - 100

100

No

0.023 -

0.180

No

0.180

 

 

100 - 100

100

No

0.026 -

0.126

No

0.126

 

 

Soil runoff

Soil runoff

Inorganic Chemicals (Metals and Nutrients)

Barium

ppm

2

2

Nickel

ppb

N/A

100

Chromium

ppb

100

100

Fluoride

ppm

2

Delaware State MCL: 2 ppm[7]

Nitrate

ppm

10

10

Nitrite

ppm

1

1

0.0348 -

0.0348

No[8]

0.0348

 

 

1.5 - 1.5

1.5

No[8]

1.0 - 1.0

1.0

No[8]

0.37 -

1.67

No

1.67

 

 

0.7 - 5.0

5.0

No

0.002 -

0.009

No

0.009

 

 

0.0414 -

0.0414

No[9]

0.0414

 

 

2.0

- 2.0

2.0

No[9]

1.9

- 1.9

1.9

No[9]

0.37

- 1.16

1.16

No

0.6

- 4.3

4.3

No

0.002 -

0.006

No

0.006

 

 

Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits

Discharge from industrial sources; Erosion of natural deposits

Discharge from steel and pulp mills; Erosion of natural deposits

Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks; Sewage; Erosion of natural deposits

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks; Sewage; Erosion of natural deposits

Disinfectants

Chlorine

ppm

N/A

Total Organic Carbon

ppm

N/A

Total Organic

% Removal

N/A

(Raw to

Carbon

Treated)

 

 

 

Total Organic

Compliance

N/A

Ratio (rolling

Carbon

annual avg)

 

 

 

At least 0.3 residual entering Distribution System

Must exceed 35% (25% in certain

instances)

Ratio of Actual to Required

Removal - must be greater than

or equal to 1

0.93 - 2.8

2.8

No

0.82 - 2.4

2.4

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disinfection Byproduct Precursors

 

 

 

0.78 - 2.42

2.42

N/A

 

- 1.67

1.67

N/A

0.08

9% - 76%

76%

No

41%

- 70%

70%

No

1.17 - 1.38

1.38

No[10]

1.21

- 1.59

1.59

No[10]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water additive used to control microbes

Naturally present in the environment. Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects. However TOC provides a medium for the formation of disinfection byproducts.

Synthetic Organic Chemicals (pesticides, defoliants, fuel additives) - (2016 unless noted)

Dalapon

ug/L

200

Atrazine

ug/L

3

Di (2-ethylhexyl)

ug/L

0

phthalate

 

 

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene

ug/L

50

Simazine

ug/L

4

200

3

6

50

4

0.79

- 0.79

0.79

-

 

-

-

-

0.27

- 0.27

0.27

-

 

-

-

-

 

-

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

-

-

-

0.031

- 0.031

0.031

-

0.28

- 0.28

0.28

-

0.077

- 0.077

0.077

-

0.072

- 0.072

0.072

-

 

 

 

 

Runoff from herbicide on rights of way

Runoff from herbicide on rights of way

Discharge from plastic production

Runoff from herbicide on rights of way

Runoff from herbicide on rights of way

C I T Y O F W I L M I N G T O N W A T E R Q U A L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 2 0

 

3

 

 

 

Table 2: Water Quality Results - Detected Primary[1] Parameters in Distribution System

Table 3: Detection of Unregulated

Contaminants[16]

Contaminant

Units

MCLG

[2]

MCL[3]

Range of

Highest

 

or TT[4][5]

Levels

Detected

 

 

 

 

 

Detected

Level

 

 

 

 

Microbiological Indicators

Violation

Likely Source of

Contamination

Chemical or

 

 

Rangeof

Likely Source of

Units

Average

Levels

Constituent

Contamination

 

 

Detected

 

 

 

 

Per-and Polyfluroalkyl-Substances (2019)

 

% of

 

 

 

 

Total Coliform

samples

0%

5.0%

0.0 - 0.0

0.0

positive

 

each

 

 

 

 

 

month

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disinfectants

 

Chlorine

ppm

MRDLG = 4.0[11]

MRDL = 4.0[12]

 

2.2[13]

0.0 - 2.2[13]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disinfection Byproducts

 

Total

ppb

No goal for

80

9 - 94[14]

74[15]

Trihalomethanes

 

the total

 

 

 

Haloacetic

ppb

No goal for

60

12 - 49[14]

34[15]

Acids

 

the total

 

 

 

No

No

No

No

Bacteria that are naturally present in the environment. Used as an indicator of the presence of other potentially harmful bacteria.

Water additive used to control microbes.

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection. Forms due to reaction of chlorine with total organic carbon. Health effects: Some people who drink water containing TTHMs in excess of the MCL over many years could experience problems with their liver, kidneys, or central nervous systems, and may have an increased risk of getting cancer.

Byproduct of drinking water disinfection. Forms due to reaction of chlorine with total organic carbon.

Perfluorobutanesulfonic

acid (PFBS)

Perfluoroheptanoic

acid (PFHpA)

Perfluorohexanoic

acid (PFHxA)

Perfluorononanoic

acid (PFNA)

Perfluorooctanesulfonic

acid (PFOS)

Perfluorooctanoic

acid (PFOA)

Bromochloroacetic

Acid (BCAA)

Bromodichloromethane

(BDCM)

Chlorodibromomethane

(CDBM)

Dibromoacetic Acid

(DBAA)

ppt

2.3

2.2 - 2.4

Industrial discharges

ppt

4.9

3.8 - 6

Industrial discharges

ppt

6.85

5.5 - 8.2

Industrial discharges

ppt

2.85

2.2 - 3.5

Industrial discharges

ppt

3.35

3.3 - 3.4

Industrial discharges

ppt

8.15

7.1 - 9.2

Industrial discharges

Disinfection Byproducts (2020)

 

ppb

4.3

1.2 - 6.2

Chlorination disinfection

by-product

 

 

 

ppb

10.4

3.4 - 17.7

Chlorination disinfection

by-product

 

 

 

ppb

2.6

<0.5 - 5.2

Chlorination disinfection

by-product

 

 

 

ppb

1.0

<1.0 - 1.2

Chlorination disinfection

by-product

 

 

 

Table 4: Radioactive Contaminants (2020 unless noted)

Dichloroacetic Acid

(DCAA)

Monobromoacetic

ppb

12.33

4.0 - 23.7

Chlorination disinfection

by-product

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chlorination disinfection

Radioactive Contaminants

Units

MCLG

MCL

Highest

Range of

Violation

Detected

Levels

 

 

 

 

Level

Detected

 

Beta/photon emitters (2011)

pCi/L

0

50[17]

3.5

3.5

- 3.5

No

Gross Alpha Particle Activity (2016)

pCi/L

0

3

0.44

0.44

- 0.44

No

Likely Source of Contamination

Decay of natural and man-made deposits

Decay of natural and man-made deposits

Acid (MBAA)

Monochloroacetic

Acid (MCAA)

Trichloroacetic Acid

(TCAA)

ppb

1.0

<1.0 - <1.0

by-product

 

 

 

ppb

2.1

<2.0 - 2.6

Chlorination disinfection

by-product

 

 

 

ppb

12.8

5.3 - 26.9

Chlorination disinfection

by-product

 

 

 

Radium-226

pCi/L

0

1

0.25

0.25 - 0.25

No

Radium-228

pCi/L

0

1

0.84

0.84 - 0.84

No

Decay of natural and man-made deposits

Decay of natural and man-made deposits

For more information on Per-and Polyfluroalkyl-Substances visit

drinktap.org/Water-Info/Whats-in-My-Water/Per-and-Polyfluoroalkyl-Substances

For more information on Unregulated Contaminants visit

drinktap.org/Water-Info/Whats-in-My-Water/Unregulated-Contaminant-Monitoring-Rule-UCMR

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Table 5: Secondary[18] Parameters and Other Parameters of Interest Detected in Water as it Enters Distribution System

 

 

 

Brandywine Filter Plant

Porter Filter Plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contaminant

Units

SMCL[18]

Average

Lowest

Highest

Average

Lowest

Highest

Source

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conventional Physical and Chemical Parameters

 

KEY TO TABLES

[1]

Primary parameters are

 

contaminants that are regulated

 

by a maximum contaminant

 

level (MCL), because above this

 

level consumption may adversely

 

affect the health of a consumer.

[2]

MCLG - Maximum Contaminant

 

Level Goal is the level of a

 

contaminant in drinking water

[11] MRDLG - Maximum Residual

Disinfectant Level Goal is

the level of drinking water

disinfectant below which there

is no known or expected health

risk. MRDLGs do not reflect

the benefits of the use of

disinfectants to control

microbial contaminants.

pH

units

6.5 - 8.5

Alkalinity

ppm as

N/A

CaCO3

 

 

Hardness

ppm as

N/A

CaCO3

 

 

Conductivity

µmhos/

N/A

cm

 

 

Sodium

ppm

N/A

Sulfate

ppm

250

Chloride

ppm

250

7.3

6.9

7.8

62

33

72

115

84

136

335

171

490

20.5

20.5

20.5

17.0

17.0

17.0

33

21

64

7.4

6.9

7.8

58

45

72

116

100

140

368

284

496

23.7

23.7

23.7

16.1

16.1

16.1

43

30

81

Waters with pH = 7.0 are neutral

Measure of buffering capcity of water or ability to neutralize an acid

Naturally occurring; Measures Calcium and Magnesium

General measure of mineral content

Naturally occuring; Chemical additive to treat the water; Road salt application and run-off

Naturally occuring; Can cause objectionable taste and odor in water

Naturally occurring; Chemical additive to treat the water; Road salt application and run-off

 

below which there is no known or

 

expected risk to health. MCLGs

 

allow no margin of safety.

[3]

MCL - Maximum Contaminant

 

Level is the highest level of a

 

contaminant that is allowed

 

in drinking water. MCLs are

 

set as close to the MCLGs as

 

feasible using the best available

 

treatment technology.

[4]

TT - Treatment Technique

 

refers to the required process

 

intended to reduce the level of a

 

contaminant in drinking water.

 

EPA’s surface water treatment

 

rules require systems to (1)

 

disinfect their water and (2) filter

 

their water such that the specific

 

contaminant levels cited are met.

 

Lead and copper are regulated

 

by a Treatment Technique that

 

requires systems to control the

 

corrosiveness of their water.

 

Total organic carbon is regulated

[12]

MRDL - Maximum Residual

 

Disinfectant Level is the highest

 

level of a disinfectant allowed

 

in drinking water. There is

 

convincing evidence that addition

 

of a disinfectant is necessary for

 

control of microbial contaminants.

[13]

Cited value is the lowest and/or

 

highest average of a minimum of

 

100 routine samples per month.

[14]

Cited range is the range of all

 

individual results in 2020.

[15]

Cited value is the highest

 

Locational Running Annual

 

Average (LRAA). MCL is based

 

on the LRAA, which is compiled

 

to include data from previous

 

quarters.

[16]

Unregulated contaminant

 

monitoring helps EPA to

 

determine where certain

 

contaminants occur and

Metals

by a Treatment Technique

that requires systems operate

whether the Agency should

consider regulating those

Iron ppb 300

Manganese ppb 50

Zinc ppm 5

38

<20

70

16

6

50

0.10

0.03

0.17

22

<20

70

13

7

19

0.10

0.06

0.17

Naturally occurring; Chemical additive to treat the water; Corrosion of pipes; Can cause discoloration in water

Naturally occurring; Can cause discoloration and objectionable taste in water

Naturally occurring; Chemical additive to treat the water

 

with enhanced coagulation or

 

enhanced softening to meet

 

specified percent removals.

[5]

Unless otherwise indicated value

 

given is a MCL.

[6]

The state allows us to monitor

 

for some contaminants less

 

than once per year because

 

the concentrations of these

 

contaminants do not change

 

contaminants in the future.

[17]

The MCL for beta particles is

 

4 mrem/year. EPA considers

 

50 pCi/L to be the level of

 

concern for beta particles.

[18]

SMCL - Secondary Maximum

 

Contaminant Level ppm:

 

milligrams per liter or parts

 

per million - or one ounce in

 

7,350 gallons of water ppb:

 

micrograms per liter or parts

Table 6: Lead and Copper

(based on 2020 sampling–testing is done every 3 years)

Contaminant

MCLG

Action Level

90th

# Sites

Units

Violation

(AL)[19]

Percentile

Over AL

Copper

1.3

1.3

0.27

0

ppm

No

Lead

0

15

2.2

2

ppb

No

Likely Source of Contamination

Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives; Corrosion of household plumbing systems

Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits

 

frequently. Some of our data,

 

though representative, are more

 

than one year old. If this is the

 

case, the sample year will be

 

noted in the table.

[7]

State limit is to not exceed 2.0

 

mg/L.

[8]

Collected in 2014.

[9]

Collected in 2015.

[10]

Total Organic Carbon compliance

 

is calculated quarterly based on

 

the running annual average of

 

removal %.

per billion - or one ounce in

7,350,000 gallons of water

[19] AL - Action Level: The

concentration of a contaminant,

which, if exceeded, triggers

treatment or other requirements

which a water system must

follow. ND: not detected

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City of Wilmington and the Delaware Estuary Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day Virtually

The City of Wilmington continues its commitment to educating citizens about environmental stewardship through the pandemic. The Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration, traditionally the largest of its kind in Delaware, was held virtually in 2020 and 2021 with a weeklong series of events. The official dates for Earth Day and Arbor Day are April 22 and April 30, respectively.

Wilmington’s Earth and Arbor Day Celebration is funded by and planned in coordination with the City of Wilmington’s Department of Public Works and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. The goal of this annual celebration is to educate the public about the importance of trees, native plants, drinkable water, and swimmable rivers, and the impact that the environment has on our everyday lives. Each day attendees had the opportunity to follow an educational, Earth-friendly theme, such as gardening, recycling, transportation, and water. The virtual event provided lots to see and do, from crafts and scavenger hunts, to bicycle safety tips, and a youth panel.

“Concern for our wonderful yet increasingly fragile natural environment is something that we all share,” said Mayor Purzycki, “and this past year serves as a stark warning of what

can result when nature’s delicate balance is disturbed. We come together each year to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day

  • a valuable reminder that it’s in our mutual best interest to properly care for and protect the Earth so that it – and we – can look forward to a long, healthy future. As we gather virtually on this Earth Day 2021 out of an abundance of caution, let
    us reflect on how our common home can and should unite us behind the goal of being the best stewards we can be. Please stay safe, and I look forward to seeing everyone in person again this time next year.”

To learn more and try some of the recommended activities, visit

the Delaware Estuary website at

delawareestuary.org/earthandarbor/

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Frequently Asked

Questions About

Water Quality

Many customers have questions regarding the quality of their tap water. Below are some of the questions that are frequently asked.

Please call the Call Center at (302) 576-3878 or the Water Quality Lab at (302) 571-4158 if you have further questions about your tap water.

FAQ 1: Brown / Yellow Colored Water Issues:

1. Why is my water discolored?

All treated water introduced into the system is clean and clear; however, a large portion of the City’s pipes are made of unlined cast iron. On occasion, the internal build-up of iron corrosion in these pipes can be released due to a disturbance event such as main breaks, construction and flushing fire hydrants. Rusty water events are usually brief and will clear up within a day or so after the disturbance is resolved and water is flushed out through your piping system. (Reference Article: Water Quality – Questions & Answers. Henry County Water Authority. HCWSA, 2015.)

3. What should I do when rusty water appears in my faucets?

Step1 ~ Call the Call Center (302)-576-3877 and they will assist you in diagnosing and resolving the water issue. Contacting the Call Center is the only way the City knows there is an issue with the water. This creates an electronic record that is especially useful if there is a recurring issue.

Step 2 ~ Take a sample of the rusty COLD water in a white cup or bowl for comparison and set it aside.

2. Are there regulations for rusty water concerning health?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that rusty water is safe to drink unless it has been contaminated with unrelated substances. The EPA has established National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (NSDWRs) that set non-mandatory water quality standards for 15 contaminants. While the EPA does not enforce these Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCLs), they are established as guidelines to assist public water systems in managing their drinking water for aesthetic considerations, such as taste, color, and odor. However, these contaminants are not considered a risk to human health at the SMCL. (Reference Website: https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/drinking-water-regulations#three-a-two)

Step 3 ~ Go to the lowest sink in the house, set a timer for 15 minutes and run the COLD water only. Running the hot water can cause rusty water to fill the hot water tank, which will then require it to be drained.

Step 4 ~ After 15 minutes, take another sample in another white cup or bowl and compare with the first sample. Continue to flush and keep an eye on the water color for a lightening effect. If it has not lightened call the Call Center

back for further instructions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (continued)

FAQ 2: Why does my

water smell like...

1. Chemicals or a Swimming Pool (Cold and Hot Water)

At the City’s Water Treatment Facilities, chlorine is added to the drinking water once it has been through the filtering process. Chlorine is used as a disinfectant to eliminate harmful or deadly

microorganisms that can cause potential diseases as water travels through the City’s pipelines. Some people are more sensitive to smell, which can result in them smelling the presence of chlorine in their water supply. Please note that while this sensitivity to smell varies from person to person, chlorine is always present as a disinfectant in the City’s drinking water.

2. Rotten Eggs or Sulfur (Hot Water)

A rotten egg odor can occur if the drain is partially clogged. When the water enters the partially clogged drain, the odor caused by the clog is pushed up out of the drain. Test this by filling a cup with the same water. If the water does not smell in the cup then it is likely a drain clog.

A rotten egg odor can also occur from hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. The odor is unpleasant, but the gas is not usually harmful at the low concentrations that occur in a household water system. This is not a problem of health but aesthetics. Hot water tanks can provide an ideal environment for the production of hydrogen sulfide gas when corrosion occurs. If the rotten egg smell persists then replacing the anode in the hot water tank may be the next step to solving the smelly water issue. Always refer to the hot water tank’s manual or call a plumber before any maintenance. (Reference Article: David J. Hacker~ Project Engineer. Opflow, Phew my hot water smells like rotten eggs. ISSN: 0149-8029; Vol. 16. No. 7; July 1990.)

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FAQ 3: Fluoride in drinking water:

1. Is there Fluoride in my drinking water?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can enter water sources from the erosion of natural deposits or discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories. While there is a small background level of fluoride found in the City’s raw water supplies, additional levels of fluoride are added during the treatment process. This is done to promote strong teeth and protect against skeletal fluorosis.

The addition of fluoride is also required by the State of Delaware Office of Drinking Water. (Reference Article: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/ files/2015-10/documents/2011_fluoride_questionsanswers.pdf).

2. Are there standards for this chemical?

In Delaware, the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for fluoride is 2.0 ppm. MCLs describe a biological, chemical, or physical characteristic of water that may affect the taste, odor, color, or appearance (aesthetics) of water. The City is required to notify customers if the average levels of fluoride exceed the State’s MCL (Reference Article: https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/

pubdw.html)

FAQ 4: Lead in Drinking Water:

There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. The most common source of lead is old lead service lines. A less common source of lead is brass fixtures and fittings and lead soldered joints in the household plumbing. The City’s drinking water leaving the water treatment plants and the City’s water mains are not a source of lead. Water mains are generally made from either ductile iron, cast or galvanized steel. Testing at the tap is the only way to measure the lead levels in your home. Contact the Water Quality Lab (302) 571-5148 if you would like you water tested.

More information on lead in drinking water, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791, or at epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Quality Problem?

The City of Wilmington is committed to providing you with high quality drinking water. We also understand that concerns may arise at your tap and we strive to address these quickly and efficiently. If you experience issues such as: low water pressure, rusty / discolored water, or unusual taste and smell, please call our call center at (302) 576-3878. You will be asked a series of questions regarding your concern and then the appropriate Water Department personnel will be

contacted to address your problem. If you would like your water to be sampled, one of our Water Quality Specialists will call you to schedule

a time that is convenient for you.

Contact Us

You can help us ensure the safety of our water supply by reporting any unusual or suspicious activity either on our waterways, near our reservoirs, water filtration plants, water towers, or pumping stations.

To report an incident or general water quality concerns, call the City Call Center at (302) 576-3878.

If you have questions about this report, call the Water Quality Laboratory at (302) 571-4158. Weekends or after 5 P.M., (302) 576-3878.

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Jr.. Water Works

Who’s the water saver? Who’s the water waster?

WATER CONSERVATION FACTS

Did you know that only about 0.4% of the water on Earth is available for drinking? Water conservation is a good and easy way to take care of our water supply. Conservation means using water wisely and not wasting it. Here are some ways you can conserve water.

Whether washing your hands for 20 seconds or brushing your teeth for two minutes, you don’t have to keep the faucet running. Save 200 gallons of water in a month by turning off the tap while you scrub.

Another place to save water is in the laundry room. Save energy by washing clothes in cold water, and conserve water by only running the washer with full loads.

Did you know it takes less water to run a full dishwasher than to wash dishes by hand in the sink? Save more water by scraping plates into the trash rather than rinsing them before loading the dishwasher.

Have a parent help you take the top off the tank at the back of the toilet. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the color shows up in the bowl, you might need a new flapper. Don’t forget to flush after!

 

First read the Water Conservation Facts

 

on the left side of this page. Then look

Aiden turns off the tap while brushing.

at each picture carefully. Put an in

 

each white circle for water wasters. Put

 

a in each white circle for water

 

savers. Check your answers on the

 

back to see how many you got right.

 

Braylen’s parents installed

 

a new WaterSense toilet.

Gabriella only runs the dishwasher when it’s full.

Wren runs the tap while brushing.

Marcellus runs the washer with a full load.

Hanna waters the flowers

early in the morning.

WordSearch

Jada just learned about Water Conservation in her science class. She tells her friends Chloe, Finn and Steven about it and challenges them to do this word search puzzle. You can try it too! In the Water Conservation story on the left side of the previous page, look for 12 words highlighted in bold red. See if you can find all 12 in the puzzle below. Words can be horizontal, vertical or diagonal.

While it might be more fun to splash in a warm bath, it takes 70 gallons of water to fill a tub but only 10 to 13 gallons for a five minute shower. Ask Mom and Dad to install WaterSense labeled showerheads and toilets. They work more efficiently, saving water and you won’t notice a difference in flow!

Watering the yard is a great way to get outside in the fresh air. Just don’t water in the middle of the day when temperatures are highest, or the sun will evaporate water before it reaches your plants.

Starr waters the plants in the middle of the day.

Mateo likes a warm bath with bubbles.

See back for solution.

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Questions/Concerns?

If you have questions about the quality of your water or are experiencing an issue such as low water pressure, rusty/discolored water, or unusual taste and smell, please call our Call Center at

  1. 576-3878 or the Water Quality Lab at (302) 571-4158. You will be asked a series of questions regarding your concern and then the appropriate Water Department personnel will be contacted to address your problem. If you would like your water to be sampled, one of our Water Quality Specialists will call you to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Answers to Jr. Water Works Pages:

Answers to the Water Saver/Water Waster Challenge

  • Water Savers: Aiden, Gabriella, Braylen, Hanna, Marcellus
  • Water Wasters: Starr, Mateo, Wren

How many did you get right? All 8 = Water Wizard! 7 = Conservation Commander, 6 = Conservation Captain, 5 = Water Watcher,

4 or less = Back to school – keep learning. You’ll do better next time.

Michael S. Purzycki, Mayor

Kelly A. Williams, Commissioner

Department of Public Works

Louis L. Redding City/County Bldg.

800 French Street, Wilmington, DE 19801-3537

DaWayne Sims, City Treasurer

wilmingtonde.gov

An electronic version of this document is available

at ccrwilmingtonde.com.

Una versión en español de este documento está disponible

por correo, previa solicitud.

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

The Honorable Ernest Congo II

The Honorable Michelle Harlee

The Honorable Maria D. Cabrera

President of City Council

City Council Member, 4th District

City Council Member-at-Large

The Honorable Linda M. Gray

The Honorable Bregetta A. Fields

The Honorable Rysheema J. Dixon

City Council Member, 1st District

City Council Member, 5th District

City Council Member-at-Large

The Honorable Shané N. Darby

The Honorable Yolanda McCoy

The Honorable James Spadola

City Council Member, 2nd District

City Council Member, 6th District

City Council Member-at-Large

The Honorable Zanthia Oliver

The Honorable Chris Johnson

The Honorable Loretta Walsh

City Council Member, 3rd District

City Council Member, 7th District

City Council Member-at-Large

 

The Honorable Nathan Field

 

 

City Council Member, 8th District

 

In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, state and federal law, “no person or group shall be excluded from participation, denied any benefits, or subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, handicap, and/or disability.” General complaints or inquiries should be directed to: Affirmative Action Officer (302) 576-2460, and persons with disabilities may contact 504 Coordinator (302) 576-2460, City of Wilmington, Personnel Department, 4th Floor, 800 French Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. TDD is available at (302) 571-4546.

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Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

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