2026 Water Consumer Confidence Report
2026 Water Consumer Confidence Report
Spanish (Espanol): Este informe contiene informacion muy importante sobre la calidad de su agua beber. Traduscalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
Do I need to take special precautions?
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Water Drinking Hotline (800-426-4791).
Where does my water come from?
Your water is groundwater that comes from the confined Manokin aquifer and unconfined Columbia aquifer.
Source water assessment and availability
Our source water assessment is available through: http://delawaresourcewater.org/assessments/
The Source Water Assessment's Summary of Our System's Susceptibility to Contamination
Overall, Georgetown Water has a moderate susceptibility to nutrients, a moderate susceptibility to pathogens, a very high susceptibility to petroleum hydrocarbons, a moderate susceptibility to pesticides, a moderate susceptibility to PCBs, a very high susceptibility to other organic compounds, a moderate susceptibility to metals and, a moderate susceptibility to other inorganic compounds.
Why are there contaminants in my drinking water?
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline, (800) 426-4791.
The sources of drinking water, both tap water and bottled water, include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
• Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
• Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
• Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems.
• Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
How can I get involved?
If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please call (302) 381-2248. We hold meetings the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month at Town Council 37 The Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947. We Want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility.
Additional information about lead
Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing, Georgetown Water Department is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components in your home. You share the responsibility for protecting yourself and your family from the lead in your home plumbing. You can take responsibility by identifying and removing lead materials withing your home plumbing and taking steps to reduce your family's risk. Before drinking tap water, flush your pipes for several minutes by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. You can also use a filter certified by an American National Standards Institute accredited certifier to reduce lead in drinking water. If you are concerned about lead in your water and wish to have our water tested, contact Georgetown Water Department at (302) 381-2248.Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead
Information on the lead service line inventory:
Georgetown Water Department has completed a water service line inventory to be in compliance with federal law. To access the water service line inventory follow this link: (https://dhss.120water-ptd.com/) then enter an address in the search bar, or contact the office at (302)
Additional health effects information
Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider.
For more information, contact:
Richard Hudson
37 The Circle
Georgetown, DE 19947
(302) 381-2248