Townsend, DE Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For households in Townsend, DE water data shows a consistently above-average safety picture.
How Townsend Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Townsend Water
- Average lead level: 0.0012 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 24% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.25 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Townsend
With 3 utilities splitting service in Townsend, DE, water accountability is distributed across 3 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Townsend, Delaware (population ~14,151), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 234,408 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Townsend — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Townsend: B (83/100)
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
Townsend water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0012 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19734 | B | Artesian Water Company | 231,114 |
All ZIP Codes in Townsend
- 19734 [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.
Health Outcomes in Townsend
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Townsend
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Congress banned lead solder in residential plumbing in 1986, drawing a clear line in housing risk by era. Townsend's median build year of 2006 puts most of its residential stock on the newer side of that boundary — a profile that generally correlates with lower plumbing-sourced lead exposure across the city.
Most homes in Townsend 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Townsend Homeowners
The household financial picture for Townsend homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Townsend are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,800–$4,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 21% above the Delaware average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Townsend
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.
Confirming what flows from a specific faucet still requires a one-home draw, even where Townsend averages stay clean and the pre-rule housing share holds at 24%.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Townsend
100% of ZIP codes in Townsend are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 5 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
Townsend has a moderate flood history with 5 FEMA claims averaging $56,504 per payout. 100% 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>$2,900</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 Townsend, DE