LeadPipeLookup

State overview

Lead service lines in Delaware

Aggregated lead pipe inventory data for all 464 public water systems in Delaware, serving approximately 1,099,173 residents.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
464
Population served
1,099,173
Known lead lines
0
Unknown material
0

Lead Service Lines in Delaware

What you need to know

Delaware's 464 public water systems serve about 1.1 million people. As of now, the state has not publicly reported any confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. However, the absence of reported lead lines does not mean they don't exist—many water systems across the country, including in Delaware, have not yet completed full inventories of their pipes.

Lead service lines are pipes that connect the main water line under the street to your home. If your house was built before 1986, there's a higher chance it has a lead service line, especially if you live in an older neighborhood. Lead can leach into drinking water, particularly if the water is corrosive or if the line is disturbed.

Where to start

Contact your water utility directly. Delaware's largest systems—Artesian Water Company (serving 231,000 people), Wilmington Water Department (108,000), and Veolia Water Delaware (100,000)—should be able to tell you whether your home has a lead service line. Smaller systems like Newark Water Department, Rehoboth Pump District, and Bethany Bay Pump District serve thousands of residents and can provide the same information.

Your utility can tell you:

  • Whether the service line to your home is lead, copper, galvanized steel, or unknown
  • Whether your water is treated to reduce corrosion (which limits lead leaching)
  • Testing options if you're concerned about lead levels in your tap water

If you're worried about lead in your water

The EPA and CDC recommend testing your tap water if you suspect a lead service line. You can buy an inexpensive test kit or ask your utility about free or low-cost testing programs. If your child's health is a concern, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC.

You can also reduce exposure by letting cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking it, and by using cold water for cooking and baby formula—hot water dissolves lead more easily.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility and ask whether your home has a lead service line
  • Request information about water treatment and any testing programs they offer
  • If you have young children or are pregnant, discuss lead testing with your doctor or local health department
  • Visit your utility's website or call their customer service line—they're required to have this information

Largest public water systems in Delaware

UtilityPWSIDPopulationKnown leadUnknown
ARTESIAN WATER COMPANYDE0000552231,114——
WILMINGTON WATER DEPARTMENTDE0000663107,976——
VEOLIA WATER DELAWARE, INCDE0000564100,495——
REHOBOTH PUMP DISTRICT (TUI)DE000099181,417——
BETHANY BAY PUMP DISTRICTDE000022151,000——
NEWARK WATER DEPARTMENTDE000063040,000——
DOVER WATER DEPARTMENTDE000057139,491——
DEWEY BEACH WATER DEPARTMENTDE000082531,000——
REHOBOTH BEACH WATER DEPARTMENTDE000072325,000——
ARTESIAN SOUTHERN SUSSEX REGIONALDE00A032318,215——
MIDDLETOWN WATER DEPARTMENTDE000061417,700——
CAMDEN PUMP DISTRICTDE000012417,208——
GARRISON LAKE PUMP DISTRICTDE000000417,148——
SUSSEX SHORES WATER COMPANYDE000055712,450——
BETHANY BEACH WATER DEPARTMENTDE000055612,000——
SMYRNA WATER DEPARTMENTDE000065711,813——
LONG NECK WATER COMPANYDE000062511,000——
DOVER AIR FORCE BASEDE000057911,000——
MILFORD WATER DEPARTMENTDE00006169,800——
CHURCH CREEK (AWC)DE00A04289,654——
LEWES BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKSDE00006029,627——
MILLSBORO WATER DEPARTMENTDE00006228,568——
BAYSIDE PUMP DISTRICT (TUI)DE00A08378,400——
GEORGETOWN WATER DEPARTMENTDE00005927,259——
ARTESIAN NORTHERN KENT REGIONALDE00A06737,014——

Cities in Delaware

More on lead pipes in Delaware

Frequently asked about lead pipes in Delaware

How do I know if my home has a lead service line in Delaware?

Contact your water utility directly—they maintain records of service line materials. You can also look at your water bill or property records, which sometimes note the pipe type. If records are unclear, a plumber can inspect the line where it enters your home.

Is lead in Delaware tap water a big problem?

Delaware has not reported any confirmed lead service lines in its public inventory. However, not all systems have completed full inventories yet. Even if you have a lead line, treatment by your utility and simple precautions like flushing your tap can reduce exposure.

Can I get my water tested for lead in Delaware?

Yes. Contact your water utility to ask about free or low-cost testing. You can also buy a test kit online or through a hardware store. Testing is especially important if you have a lead service line or live in an older home.

What should I do if my child might have been exposed to lead?

Talk to your pediatrician or local health department. They can discuss testing and next steps. The CDC website has resources on lead exposure in children.