ZipCheckup grade for 19970: B.
This ZIP has a few items worth a quick check.
Your top priority: review your flood insurance coverage. Check your ZIP → FloodSmart
Ocean View, DE (19970): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 83/100
EPA data combined for 5 water systems mapped to this ZIP (largest mapped system: Bethany Bay Pump District)
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 19970 in Ocean View, DE contain 2 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 0 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 2 violations (non-health) (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0023 mg/L is below the EPA action level for water systems; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS At least one PFAS result is above an EPA MCL value (UCMR5 sampling; MCL compliance required from 2029).
- Radon EPA Zone 3 - county-level radon potential, not evidence of a low home result.
- Flood 155 cumulative NFIP claim records. This historical count is not a current property-risk verdict.
Get updates when new water-quality data is available for your area
Free alerts when new EPA data affects ZIP code 19970. No spam - just safety updates.
Unsubscribe anytime. We only send updates when your safety score changes. See our Privacy Policy.
See incorrect data? Let us know
The top classification in Ocean View (19970) safety data is critical - only one condition reaches that level, with no high-priority findings documented below it.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 83/100
This is the published model score. Component and domain values are shown independently; they are not added together on this page.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 4 of 4 components and 3 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (7) HIGH
Your Water System
ZIP code 19970 in Ocean View, Delaware is mapped to the water system Bethany Bay Pump District (EPA ID: DE0000221). This system provides water to approximately 51,000 people from groundwater sources.
There are 5 community water systems serving this area.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bethany Bay Pump District | DE0000221 | 51,000 | Groundwater |
| Dewey Beach Water Department | DE0000825 | 31,000 | Groundwater |
| Bayshore Mobile Home Park | DE0000252 | 533 | Groundwater |
| Cedar Landing | DE00A0424 | 357 | Groundwater |
| Quillens Point | DE0000924 | 150 | Groundwater |
Other Water Quality Reports in Delaware
- 19701 (Bear)
- 19702 (Newark)
- 19703 (Claymont)
- 19706 (Delaware City)
- 19707 (Hockessin)
- 19708 (Kirkwood)
- 19709 (Middletown)
- 19710 (Montchanin)
- 19711 (Newark)
- 19712 (Newark)
- 19713 (Newark)
- 19714 (Newark)
- 19715 (Newark)
- 19716 (Newark)
- 19717 (Newark)
- 19718 (Newark)
- 19720 (New Castle) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 19721 (New Castle)
- 19725 (Newark)
- 19726 (Newark)
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 19967 (Millville) - 2 mi
- 19930 (Bethany Beach) - 3 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 19944 (Fenwick Island) - 6 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 19939 (Dagsboro) - 6 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 19945 (Frankford) - 6 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 19975 (Selbyville) - 7 mi
- 19951 (Harbeson) - 10 mi
- 21813 (Bishopville, MD) - 10 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 19966 (Millsboro) - 11 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 19971 (Rehoboth Bch) - 11 mi
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Bethany Bay Pump District (DE0000221) on EPA.gov.
5 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 19970. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: PFOA, PFOS, PFBS, PFHxA, PFPeA, PFHxS.
Highest measured level: 0.011 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) MODERATE
Home & Infrastructure (7) OK
Cost & Community (8) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Ocean View
Based on local data for ZIP 19970, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Ocean View has 155 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Service recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 19970 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 2 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 19970 (primary system: Bethany Bay Pump District), including 0 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 19970's water come from?
The recorded water source for Bethany Bay Pump District, a system mapped to ZIP code 19970, is Groundwater. This system serves approximately 51,000 people.
How does Ocean View water compare to the national average?
Ocean View's Home Safety Score ranks better than 67% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 57% of ZIP codes within Delaware.
How can I get my water tested in Ocean View?
If Bethany Bay Pump District supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
Is lead a concern in 19970 tap water?
The Lead and Copper Rule record selected for 19970 reports a 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0023 mg/L for a water system mapped to this ZIP (record date 2023-12-31). The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L. This result is below the EPA action level; it does not show the lead level in each home.
What is the radon risk for 19970?
19970 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 3 (low county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Sussex County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 19970's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 19970. One or more PFAS results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 19970?
FEMA records contain 155 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 19970; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is AE, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. This is a substantial claim history, but claim count is not a count of distinct events or properties. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Ocean View, DE (19970): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 83/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/19970/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-19970,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Ocean View, DE (19970): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 83/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/19970/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 19970
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19967 | Millville, DE | 1.7 mi | B | 0 |
| 19930 | Bethany Beach, DE | 2.6 mi | B | 2 |
| 19944 | Fenwick Island, DE | 5.6 mi | B | 3 |
| 19939 | Dagsboro, DE | 6.2 mi | B | 2 |
| 19945 | Frankford, DE | 6.4 mi | B | 1 |
| 19975 | Selbyville, DE | 7.4 mi | B | 0 |
| 19951 | Harbeson, DE | 10.3 mi | B | 0 |
| 21813 | Bishopville, MD | 10.3 mi | N/A | 2 |
| 19966 | Millsboro, DE | 10.5 mi | B | 1 |
| 19971 | Rehoboth Bch, DE | 11.1 mi | B | 0 |
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
2026 Rankings for Your Area
Overall safety breakdown
Home Safety Score →Find the right water filter
Water Filter Matcher →Compare filters, tests & services
Compare My Options →Compare with another ZIP
Compare Tool →