Lead pipes in New Castle County, Delaware
How many lead pipes are in New Castle County, DE?
Water systems based in New Castle County reported 1,871 lead service lines, 1,183 galvanized lines that need replacing and 82,836 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Wilmington has the most, with 2,377 lead and galvanized lines.
Free replacement program confirmed
Who pays in Delaware
This state has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners.
Confirmed programs in New Castle County
- Wilmington: Free with water main projects.
Every New Castle County water system with lead lines
Systems are grouped by the county EPA lists as their main service area. Some serve towns in neighboring counties too.
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington Wilmington Water Department | 1,708 | 669 | 11,241 | Free, utility schedules |
| Artesian Water (Delaware) Artesian Water Company | 148 | 374 | 29,413 | Not confirmed |
| Veolia Water Delaware, INC Veolia Water Delaware, INC | 0 | 78 | 35,490 | Not confirmed |
| Middletown Middletown Water Department | 0 | 35 | 0 | Not confirmed |
| New Castle Municipal Services Commission | 0 | 19 | 0 | Not confirmed |
| Delaware City Delaware City Water Department (Awc) | 15 | 2 | 180 | Not confirmed |
| Middletown Mt Pleasant MHP, LLC | 0 | 5 | 0 | Not confirmed |
| Newark Newark Water Department | 0 | 1 | 6,512 | Not confirmed |
Common questions
How many lead pipes are in New Castle County, DE?
Water systems based in New Castle County reported 1,871 lead service lines, 1,183 galvanized lines that need replacing and 82,836 lines of unknown material to EPA (Q3 2026). Wilmington has the most, with 2,377 lead and galvanized lines.
Who pays to replace lead service lines in New Castle County?
It depends on your water utility. Delaware has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. We have confirmed programs for 1 New Castle County utility, listed on this page.
How do I find out if my house has a lead service line?
Look up your address on your water utility's service line inventory map, or check the pipe where it enters your home: lead is dull gray, soft, scratches to shiny silver, and a magnet won't stick. See our step-by-step guide.