Water Quality in Dover, DE: 15 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 89/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Dover's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Dover, DE has 15 water violations.
Water Quality Map: Dover, DE
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Dover
Water quality varies across Dover's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19901 | B | 80 | 3 | 2 | View report → |
| 19904 | A | 85 | 3 | 2 | View report → |
| 19903 | A | 93 | 3 | 2 | View report → |
| 19905 | A | 93 | 3 | 2 | View report → |
| 19906 | A | 93 | 3 | 2 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Dover, Delaware receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 89 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Dover have accumulated 15 EPA violations, including 10 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 202,583 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Dover's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Dover water systems is 0.0007 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 50% of homes built before 1986, Dover has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Dover
Dover is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 202,583 people across 5 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Dover. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Dover
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Dover. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-02-02 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-02-02.
Dover vs. Nearby Delaware Cities
How Dover's water quality compares to similar cities in Delaware:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | A | 15 | 5 | 202,583 |
| Wilmington | B | 26 | 2 | 208,471 |
| Claymont | C | 0 | 1 | 107,976 |
| Newark | B | 55 | 5 | 305,797 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Dover
Water quality varies across Dover's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19901 | 80 | B | 3 | 2 |
| 19904 | 85 | A | 3 | 2 |
| 19903 | 93 | A | 3 | 2 |
| 19905 | 93 | A | 3 | 2 |
| 19906 | 93 | A | 3 | 2 |
Common Questions About Dover Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Dover, Delaware:
Is Dover water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Dover's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Dover tap water? Dover's water receives a grade of A (89/100). There are 10 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Dover? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Dover vs. Delaware Average
Understanding how Dover compares to the broader Delaware average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Dover.
ZIP Codes in Dover
Dover spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 19901. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.