Bethany Beach, DE Water Safety: 75/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current tracking cycles, Bethany Beach records above-average water quality outcomes for DE; compliance history over recent years shows few departures from federal standards and no systemic failures across its water systems.
How Bethany Beach Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Bethany Beach Residents
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 41% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.77 — above typical levels.
Bethany Beach's Water Providers
With 3 utilities splitting service in Bethany Beach, DE, water accountability is distributed across 8 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bethany Beach, Delaware (population ~2,873), covering 8 community water systems serving approximately 125,505 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bethany Beach — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bethany Beach: B (75/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Bethany Beach water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19930 | B | Artesian Southern Sussex Regional | 18,015 |
All ZIP Codes in Bethany Beach
- 19930 [B]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Bethany Beach Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Bethany Beach Infrastructure Age
With 41% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
A median build year of 1980 in Bethany Beach is characteristic of a mixed-era city where plumbing risk depends heavily on the specific property. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered copper joints; those from before 1970 face the added possibility of lead service lines. The percentages above capture how much of the residential stock falls into each risk era.
Most homes in Bethany Beach were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Bethany Beach
What does remediation cost in financial context for Bethany Beach homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in Bethany Beach are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 126% above the Delaware average.
Bethany Beach: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 41% of Bethany Beach homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Bethany Beach: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood claims in Bethany Beach number 1414 under the NFIP, and 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA-designated zones — together reflecting a community where flooding is a recurring, significant feature of the local risk environment with direct implications for periodic water supply safety.
Bethany Beach has a significant flood history with 1,414 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $6,619 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,800</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bethany Beach, DE