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
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| 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.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Wilmington Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Phone: | 302-576-3017 |
| By Email: | coh@wilmingtonde.gov |
| By Mail: | Water Work Center 203 E. 26th Street WILMINGTON, DE, 19801 |
Existing customers can login to their Wilmington Water Department account to pay their Wilmington water bill by clicking here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
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
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/
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We are proud to bring you this year’s Water Quality |
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you have questions don’t hesitate to call or |
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the appropriate personnel listed inside the report. |
Kids Activities |
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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
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)
- 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.
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:
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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 |
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Table 1: Water Quality Results - Detected Primary[1] Parameters at ENTRY POINTS to Distribution System
Brandywine Filter Plant
Porter Filter Plant
|
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[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 |
|
|||
|
|
|
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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 |
|||
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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 |
||||
|
|
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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 |
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Carbon |
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Treated) |
|
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Total Organic |
Compliance |
N/A |
|
Ratio (rolling |
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Carbon |
|||
annual avg) |
|
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|
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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 |
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|
|
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Disinfection Byproduct Precursors |
|
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0.78 - 2.42 |
2.42 |
N/A |
|
- 1.67 |
1.67 |
N/A |
0.08 |
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9% - 76% |
76% |
No |
41% |
- 70% |
70% |
No |
1.17 - 1.38 |
1.38 |
No[10] |
1.21 |
- 1.59 |
1.59 |
No[10] |
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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 |
ug/L |
0 |
|
phthalate |
|||
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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 |
- |
|
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|
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 |
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3 |
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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 |
|||
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|
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|
|
Detected |
Level |
|
|
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|
Microbiological Indicators |
||
Violation
Likely Source of
Contamination
Chemical or |
|
|
Rangeof |
Likely Source of |
|
Units |
Average |
Levels |
|||
Constituent |
Contamination |
||||
|
|
Detected |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
% of |
|
|
|
|
Total Coliform |
samples |
0% |
5.0% |
0.0 - 0.0 |
0.0 |
positive |
|||||
|
each |
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|
|
|
month |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
|
||
ppb |
10.4 |
3.4 - 17.7 |
Chlorination disinfection |
|
|
|
|
||
ppb |
2.6 |
<0.5 - 5.2 |
Chlorination disinfection |
|
|
|
|
||
ppb |
1.0 |
<1.0 - 1.2 |
Chlorination disinfection |
|
|
|
|
||
Table 4: Radioactive Contaminants (2020 unless noted)
Dichloroacetic Acid
(DCAA)
Monobromoacetic
ppb |
12.33 |
4.0 - 23.7 |
Chlorination disinfection |
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
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
Decay of natural and
Acid (MBAA)
Monochloroacetic
Acid (MCAA)
Trichloroacetic Acid
(TCAA)
ppb |
1.0 |
<1.0 - <1.0 |
||
|
|
|
||
ppb |
2.1 |
<2.0 - 2.6 |
Chlorination disinfection |
|
|
|
|
||
ppb |
12.8 |
5.3 - 26.9 |
Chlorination disinfection |
|
|
|
|
pCi/L |
0 |
1 |
0.25 |
0.25 - 0.25 |
No |
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pCi/L |
0 |
1 |
0.84 |
0.84 - 0.84 |
No |
Decay of natural and
Decay of natural and
For more information on
For more information on Unregulated Contaminants visit
4 |
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Table 5: Secondary[18] Parameters and Other Parameters of Interest Detected in Water as it Enters Distribution System
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Brandywine Filter Plant |
Porter Filter Plant |
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Contaminant |
Units |
SMCL[18] |
Average |
Lowest |
Highest |
Average |
Lowest |
Highest |
Source |
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Conventional Physical and Chemical Parameters |
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KEY TO TABLES
[1] |
Primary parameters are |
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contaminants that are regulated |
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by a maximum contaminant |
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level (MCL), because above this |
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level consumption may adversely |
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affect the health of a consumer. |
[2] |
MCLG - Maximum Contaminant |
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Level Goal is the level of a |
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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 |
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Alkalinity |
ppm as |
N/A |
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CaCO3 |
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Hardness |
ppm as |
N/A |
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CaCO3 |
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Conductivity |
µmhos/ |
N/A |
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cm |
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Sodium |
ppm |
N/A |
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Sulfate |
ppm |
250 |
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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
Naturally occuring; Can cause objectionable taste and odor in water
Naturally occurring; Chemical additive to treat the water; Road salt application and
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below which there is no known or |
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expected risk to health. MCLGs |
|
allow no margin of safety. |
[3] |
MCL - Maximum Contaminant |
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Level is the highest level of a |
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contaminant that is allowed |
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in drinking water. MCLs are |
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set as close to the MCLGs as |
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feasible using the best available |
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treatment technology. |
[4] |
TT - Treatment Technique |
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refers to the required process |
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intended to reduce the level of a |
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contaminant in drinking water. |
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EPA’s surface water treatment |
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rules require systems to (1) |
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disinfect their water and (2) filter |
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their water such that the specific |
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contaminant levels cited are met. |
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Lead and copper are regulated |
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by a Treatment Technique that |
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requires systems to control the |
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corrosiveness of their water. |
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Total organic carbon is regulated |
[12] |
MRDL - Maximum Residual |
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Disinfectant Level is the highest |
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level of a disinfectant allowed |
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in drinking water. There is |
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convincing evidence that addition |
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of a disinfectant is necessary for |
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control of microbial contaminants. |
[13] |
Cited value is the lowest and/or |
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highest average of a minimum of |
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100 routine samples per month. |
[14] |
Cited range is the range of all |
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individual results in 2020. |
[15] |
Cited value is the highest |
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Locational Running Annual |
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Average (LRAA). MCL is based |
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on the LRAA, which is compiled |
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to include data from previous |
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quarters. |
[16] |
Unregulated contaminant |
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monitoring helps EPA to |
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determine where certain |
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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
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with enhanced coagulation or |
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enhanced softening to meet |
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specified percent removals. |
[5] |
Unless otherwise indicated value |
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given is a MCL. |
[6] |
The state allows us to monitor |
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for some contaminants less |
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than once per year because |
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the concentrations of these |
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contaminants do not change |
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contaminants in the future. |
[17] |
The MCL for beta particles is |
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4 mrem/year. EPA considers |
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50 pCi/L to be the level of |
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concern for beta particles. |
[18] |
SMCL - Secondary Maximum |
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Contaminant Level ppm: |
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milligrams per liter or parts |
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per million - or one ounce in |
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7,350 gallons of water ppb: |
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micrograms per liter or parts |
Table 6: Lead and Copper
(based on 2020
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
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frequently. Some of our data, |
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though representative, are more |
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than one year old. If this is the |
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case, the sample year will be |
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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 |
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is calculated quarterly based on |
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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,
“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/
6 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
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)
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
3. What should I do when rusty water appears in my faucets?
Step1 ~ Call the Call Center
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
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:
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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/
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/
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)
More information on lead in drinking water, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800)
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)
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)
If you have questions about this report, call the Water Quality Laboratory at (302)
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9 |
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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!
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First read the Water Conservation Facts |
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on the left side of this page. Then look |
Aiden turns off the tap while brushing. |
at each picture carefully. Put an in |
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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. |
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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
-
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
DaWayne Sims, City Treasurer
An electronic version of this document is available
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 |
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 |
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 |
The Honorable Zanthia Oliver |
The Honorable Chris Johnson |
The Honorable Loretta Walsh |
City Council Member, 3rd District |
City Council Member, 7th District |
City Council |
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The Honorable Nathan Field |
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City Council Member, 8th District |
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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)
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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.