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Lead service lines in Bethany Beach, DE

2 water utilities serve Bethany Beach, with approximately 24,450 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
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Lead service lines in Bethany Beach, DE

Overview

Bethany Beach's water is supplied by two systems: Sussex Shores Water Company (serving about 12,450 people) and Bethany Beach Water Department (serving about 12,000 people). Together, they provide water to the city's population of 24,450.

Lead in drinking water typically comes from lead service lines—the pipes connecting the water main to individual homes—or from lead solder and brass fittings inside homes. Bethany Beach's water systems have not reported confirmed lead service lines in their inventories, though both systems continue to assess their infrastructure.

What you should know

Service line status. Neither utility has reported known lead service lines or galvanized steel pipes (which can corrode and leach lead) in current inventories. However, "unknown" doesn't mean "safe." Utilities are still in the process of mapping older neighborhoods, especially homes built before 1986, when lead solder was commonly used in plumbing.

Your home's pipes. The age and material of your service line depends on when your house was built and connected to the water system. Homes built before the 1980s are at higher risk. If you don't know your home's service line material, contact your water utility directly—they can often look it up by address or send someone to inspect.

Testing your water. If you're concerned about lead, you can request a free or low-cost test through your water utility, or buy a certified lead test kit online ($20–$40). The EPA recommends testing if your home was built before 1986 or if you have young children.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility to ask about your home's service line material and age. Sussex Shores Water Company (PWSID: DE0000557) or Bethany Beach Water Department (PWSID: DE0000556) can provide records.
  • Request a water test if your home was built before 1986 or you have concerns. Your utility can advise on free or subsidized options.
  • Check the EPA's lead resources at epa.gov/lead for testing kits and treatment options (filters, reverse osmosis).
  • Ask your utility about replacement programs. Some utilities offer cost assistance to replace lead service lines.

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Utilities serving Bethany Beach

Common questions

Does Bethany Beach have lead in the water?

Bethany Beach's water systems have not reported confirmed lead service lines. However, some homes built before the 1980s may have lead solder or older pipes. Contact your utility to check your home's service line material.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call Sussex Shores Water Company or Bethany Beach Water Department with your address—they can check their records. If the line is underground, a plumber or utility worker may need to inspect it visually. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Bethany Beach?

Bethany Beach's tap water meets federal safety standards. If you're concerned about lead, testing is the best way to know. You can request a test through your utility or buy a certified kit for $20–$40.

What should I do if I'm worried about lead and my child?

Contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline for health guidance. To reduce lead exposure, use cold water for drinking and cooking, flush the tap for 30 seconds before use, and consider a certified filter if your water tests positive.