Is Dover tap water safe to drink?

Yes with good quality

Dover's tap water meets all EPA standards and scores well on our analysis. It is generally safe to drink though filtration can improve taste and provide extra precaution.

82/100
Purity Score
2
Issues Found
2.8 GPG
Hardness
Not detected
PFAS

2 Issues Detected in Dover

Moderate Chlorine Level

Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.

Chlorine info for Dover

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.3 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for Dover
Delaware

199,011,990,219,904 · Groundwater

Dover Water Safety and Contaminant Report

Low Risk Updated March 2026 37,366 residents
See Best Filters for Dover
82
Purity Score

This 2026 water quality report for Dover compiles data from EPA SDWIS, EWG testing records, and the City of Dover Public Utilities consumer confidence report. Scores, contaminant levels, and matched filter recommendations are below.

Contaminant Levels

PFAS
ND
Lead
2.5 ppb
Nitrate
1.2 mg/L
Arsenic
0.3 mg/L
Hardness
2.8 gpg

Health Insights

  • 1
    Chlorine levels may affect the taste of Dover's tap water. A carbon filter improves flavor.

Score

82 /100
Good
"Good" threshold (70)

Dover tap water is sourced from Groundwater and treated by City of Dover Public Utilities. Overall purity score: 82/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.

Fix Your Water

Best filters matched to Dover's 2 issues.

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Explore Dover Water Data

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Dover Water FAQ

Is Dover DE tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Dover tap water meets EPA federal drinking water standards and scores 82/100 (Good) on PurityMap for 2026. For most healthy adults the water is considered safe but point-of-use filtration adds an important layer of protection.
Does Dover DE use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
Dover uses chlorine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.3 ppm. Standard activated carbon filters including pitcher filters are effective at removing free chlorine taste and odor.
How hard is Dover DE water and what is the TDS level?
Dover water hardness is 2.8 grains per gallon (soft) with a TDS of 120 ppm (good). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.
Has PFAS been found in Dover DE drinking water?
Based on available EPA UCMR5 monitoring data as of 2026 PFAS have not been detected above EPA advisory levels in Dover drinking water.
What is the best water filter for Dover?
Based on Dover's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. Dover has elevated chlorine residuals. An under-sink carbon filter removes chlorine and disinfection byproducts at the tap.

Nearby Reports

WilmingtonDelaware — 82/100NewarkDelaware — 82/100

All Delaware cities

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • City of Dover Public Utilities CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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