Dover, DE: 10 Health Violations — 89/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water utilities in Dover have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in DE reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Dover Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Dover, DE
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Dover's 5 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Dover Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 15 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0007 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $780 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.36 — above typical levels.
Dover's Water Providers
Structurally, Dover, DE's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 8 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Dover, Delaware (population ~77,274), covering 8 community water systems serving approximately 219,722 people region-wide.
5 of 5 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 10 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dover: A (89/100)
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
Dover water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0007 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 5 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 12 | 5 |
| Contaminant 1032 | Other | 6 | 5 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19901 | B | 3 | 2 | Dover Water Department |
| 19903 | A | 3 | 2 | Rehoboth Pump District (tui) |
| 19904 | A | 3 | 2 | Dover Water Department |
| 19905 | A | 3 | 2 | Rehoboth Pump District (tui) |
| 19906 | A | 3 | 2 | Rehoboth Pump District (tui) |
All ZIP Codes in Dover
- 19901 [B] — 3 violations ⚠
- 19903 [A] — 3 violations ⚠
- 19904 [A] — 3 violations ⚠
- 19905 [A] — 3 violations ⚠
- 19906 [A] — 3 violations ⚠
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.
Dover 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
What's in Dover's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Dover
In Dover, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Dover are relatively low compared to home values. The $470–$1,320 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 21% below the Delaware average.
Dover: 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.
Lead risk in Dover appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Dover: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
The National Flood Insurance Program captures decades of claims at the local level, building a record of cumulative community flood exposure. For Dover, that record documents 100 claims and 40% of ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated flood zones. What makes those numbers relevant to water quality is the set of mechanisms flooding activates: heavy precipitation that floods treatment intake zones can introduce contaminants upstream of normal filtration; well casings in low-lying areas can be infiltrated by floodwaters carrying bacteria, sediment, and chemical residue; and distribution system pressure changes during flooding can create backflow conditions. These effects become more probable as flood frequency and magnitude increase — and the NFIP record indicates both are meaningful factors locally.
Dover has a moderate flood history with 100 FEMA claims averaging $7,536 per payout. 40% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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>$780</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 Dover, DE