Delaware · 14 community water systems
Lead pipes in New Castle County, DE
14 community water systems serving New Castle County reported 1,871 lead and 1,183 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 82,839 of unknown material. The most are in Wilmington Water Department.
1.7% of these systems' lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, about the same as the Delaware average (1.9%) and lower than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 1.0%
- Galvanized (replace) 0.7%
- Unknown 46%
- Non-lead 53%
Water systems serving New Castle County
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington Water DepartmentWilmington | 1,708 | 669 | 11,241 | 7.7% |
| Artesian Water CompanyBear | 148 | 374 | 29,413 | 0.6% |
| Veolia Water Delaware, INCNew Castle | 0 | 78 | 35,490 | 0.2% |
| Middletown Water DepartmentMiddletown | 0 | 35 | 0 | 0.5% |
| Municipal Services CommissionNew Castle | 0 | 19 | 0 | 0.9% |
| Delaware City Water Department (Awc)Delaware City | 15 | 2 | 180 | 1.1% |
| Mt Pleasant MHP, LLCMiddletown | 0 | 5 | 0 | 13% |
| Newark Water DepartmentNewark | 0 | 1 | 6,512 | <0.1% |
| Ponds of Odessa (Awc)Middletown | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0% |
| East NCC DistrictOdessa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| North West Pump DistrictMiddletown | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Willow Grove MillMiddletown | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Delaware Correctional CenterSmyrna | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| ParksideMiddletown | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
Systems that also serve other counties are counted in full. Your water bill names your utility.
What to do if your line is lead or unknown
- Check the pipe where water enters your home.
- Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking and cooking.
- Test your water, often free through the utility.
- Ask your utility about free or discounted replacement; most lines must be replaced by December 31, 2037.
Check another water system
Questions
Does New Castle County have lead pipes?
Yes. Water systems serving New Castle County reported 1,871 lead and 1,183 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 82,839 of unknown material.
Which New Castle County water systems have the most lead lines?
Wilmington Water Department (2,377), Artesian Water Company (522), Veolia Water Delaware, INC (78).
How do I check my home in New Castle County?
Find the water system named on your water bill in the table above, open its page and use its address-level inventory. You can also scratch-test the pipe where it enters your home.