Detected Fluoride

Fluoride in Wilmington, DE Drinking Water

Fluoride data for Wilmington, Delaware · 208,471 residents · 26 ZIP codes

If you rely on a public water system in Wilmington, Delaware, Fluoride is a contaminant your utility has been required to test for — and EPA records show it has been detected at measurable levels, making it worth understanding as part of your tap water's detection record.

1.36 ppb
Max Level Detected
1.36 ppb
Average Level
4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL)
EPA MCL
Moderate
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or Activated Alumina
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Fluoride in Wilmington Tap Water

Fluoride has been detected in Wilmington, Delaware drinking water at a maximum level of 1.36 ppb — below the EPA MCL of 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL).

This analysis covers 208,471 residents across 26 ZIP codes in Wilmington.

Wilmington's overall water quality grade is B (80/100).

Is Fluoride in Wilmington Water Safe?

Fluoride was detected in Wilmington water but currently falls within EPA limits. However, some health organizations argue the EPA MCL may not be protective enough.

If you are concerned, a reverse osmosis or activated alumina filter can reduce fluoride levels further.

Fluoride Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code Fluoride Level EPA Limit Status
19801 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19802 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19803 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19804 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19805 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19806 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19807 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19809 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19810 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19850 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19880 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19884 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19885 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19886 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19887 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19890 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19891 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19892 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19893 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19894 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19895 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19896 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19897 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19898 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK
19899 1.36 ppm 4.0 mg/L (MCL) / 2.0 mg/L (SMCL) OK

Average fluoride level across Wilmington: 1.36 ppb

Health Effects of Fluoride

  • Skeletal fluorosis at levels above 4 mg/L (bone pain, joint stiffness)
  • Dental fluorosis in children at levels above 2 mg/L
  • At 0.7 mg/L (water fluoridation level), helps prevent tooth decay
  • Possible thyroid effects at high chronic exposure

Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.

How Fluoride Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Intentional water fluoridation (0.7 mg/L target, beneficial)
  • Natural deposits in certain rock formations
  • Industrial discharge (aluminum, fertilizer production)
  • Naturally elevated in some groundwater (especially arid regions)

What to Do About Fluoride in Wilmington Water

  1. Reverse osmosis removes 90%+ of fluoride
  2. Activated alumina filters are effective for fluoride
  3. Bone char carbon can reduce fluoride
  4. Standard activated carbon filters do NOT remove fluoride

Look for filters certified under NSF 58 for fluoride removal.

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