I encourage residents who want to make sure they have water available to fill bottles or pitchers of tap water and am confident that there is no risk at this time as no contaminants have been detected in the Delaware River water. Again, tap water continues to be safe.”

Yes, you can generally drink tap water in Delaware, as most public water systems meet or exceed the safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, residents should be aware of specific localized issues. In 2026, Delaware has implemented the "Forever Chemicals Mandatory Reporting Act," which requires all public water systems to monitor and report levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Some areas, particularly near military bases or industrial sites, have historically shown higher levels of these contaminants, leading the state to install advanced filtration systems. Additionally, specific towns occasionally experience temporary "Boil Water Advisories" due to water main breaks or pressure losses, such as the advisory issued for Frederica in February 2026. If you are a private well owner—common in rural Delaware—the state recommends annual testing, as well water is not regulated by the EPA. For those on public systems, checking the annual "Consumer Confidence Report" from your local utility is the best way to ensure your specific tap water is safe.