Water system

Lewes Board of Public Works

Name: Lewes Board of Public Works drinking water quality
Creator: TapWaterZip
License: https://www.usa.gov/government-works

Delaware EPA ID DE0000602 9,627 people Groundwater

What this means for you

Is it safe to drink right now?: The system’s latest lead 90th-percentile result is above today’s 15 ppb action level. That does not mean every home is over the limit — lead often comes from plumbing in the building — but it is a red flag. Flush cold water before drinking and consider a certified lead filter until you can test your own tap.
Should I use a filter?: Yes, we recommend considering one. Average PFOS was above the 4 ppt federal limit (compliance deadline April 2029). Lead results are high enough that a certified lead-reduction filter is a sensible precaution.
What kind of filter?: For PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 53 (with an explicit PFOA/PFOS or total PFAS claim) or NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis. For lead, choose NSF/ANSI 53 certified for lead reduction (or RO under 58). See matched standards and product picks.

This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.

Summary: No health-based violations in the last 5 years; PFOA/PFOS average above the 4 ppt federal limit: PFOS; Lead 90th percentile ABOVE the action level (2026).

EPA data snapshot 2026Q3. Grade is TapWaterZip's own score — see methods.

PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5

Chemical	Highest location average	Highest single sample	Federal limit	Detections/samples
PFHxS	1.8 ppt	3.5 ppt	10 ppt (proposed repeal)	1/2
PFOS	7.2 ppt	9.5 ppt	4 ppt	2/2
PFOA	3.1 ppt	6.1 ppt	4 ppt	1/2

2 PFAS tested and not detected

PFNA, HFPO-DA (2 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).

Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0.17 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).

Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.

Lead and copper

Lead 90th percentile21.6 ppb2026-06-30

Current action level15 ppbLCRI lowers to 10 ppb on Nov 1, 2027

Above today’s 15 ppb lead action level. Ask your utility about corrosion control and test water at your tap.

Violations (last 5 years)

No violations reported since Oct 2021.

Filters matched to this water

FILTER PICKS

Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.