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LCRR utility compliance status in Delaware

How are Delaware water utilities doing on EPA LCRR compliance?

Last verified from EPA SDWIS: 2026-04-14
Water systems
464
Known lead
0
Unknown
0
BIL funding
$0M

Lead Service Line Compliance in Delaware

How Delaware's water systems are reporting on lead pipes

Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) oversees drinking water safety for the state's 464 water systems, which serve roughly 1.1 million people. Under the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), utilities were required to submit initial lead service line (LSL) inventories by October 2024.

Based on the most recent available data, Delaware utilities reported zero known lead service lines and zero lines classified as unknown across all systems. This means either the state's utilities have completed full inventories with definitive results, or reporting is still being finalized by DNREC.

What this means for residents

A reported count of zero unknowns is unusual and worth clarifying with your local utility. It could indicate:

  • Complete, verified surveys have been done in your area
  • Records are well-documented and accessible
  • Reporting data is still being compiled or reconciled by the state

The absence of reported known lead lines does not automatically mean your home is lead-free. Lead service lines can exist even when not yet identified in official inventories, especially in older neighborhoods where records are incomplete.

What to do if you're concerned

Contact your water utility directly to ask:

  • Has your service line been inspected or sampled?
  • Do they have records of how your line was installed?
  • Are they conducting ongoing surveys?

You can also request a free or low-cost water test from your utility. The EPA recommends testing if you live in a home built before 1986, have experienced corrosion issues, or live in an area with known lead infrastructure.

For health questions—especially if you have young children or are pregnant—speak with your doctor or contact the CDC's lead hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility and ask for their LCRR inventory report and whether your address has been surveyed
  • Check your home's age and construction records to learn whether a lead service line is likely
  • Request a water test if you have any concerns, or ask your utility about free testing programs
  • Visit DNREC's drinking water page for the most current state-level compliance reports and utility contact information

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Related topics in Delaware

Common questions

Does Delaware have lead service lines?

According to the latest LCRR inventory data, Delaware's 464 water systems reported zero known lead service lines. However, this doesn't mean lead lines don't exist—older homes, especially those built before 1986, may have lead service lines that haven't yet been identified or surveyed.

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

Contact your water utility and ask if your property has been inventoried. You can also check your home's age and original construction documents. If built before 1986, lead service lines are more common. A utility or plumber can visually inspect your line or take a water sample to test for lead.

What is the LCRR and why does it matter?

The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) require water utilities to create inventories of lead service lines and take action to identify and replace them. This rule helps protect public health, especially for children and pregnant people who are most at risk from lead exposure.

Is Delaware's tap water safe?

Delaware's water systems are required to test and monitor for lead under federal law. If you're concerned about lead in your home specifically, request a free water test from your utility or have a certified lab test your tap water. Boiling water does not remove lead.