Is Dover tap water safe to drink?

Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data | Last tested September 2024

Can you drink the tap water in Dover?

Dover tap water has 13 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including PFOA at 3,6× the limit (tested September 2024). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.

Recommended for Dover tap water

Pitcher filter

Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher

NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.

Contaminants above EPA limits detected in Dover. Fastest way to reduce exposure.

See certified filter on Amazon

The health risk for Dover

PFAS ('forever chemicals') have been detected above EPA limits in this water system's most recent tests. These synthetic chemicals do not break down in the body and are linked to a range of health effects. A certified filter is strongly recommended.

PFBS, PFHpA, PFOA, PFOS, PFPeA above limit.

PFOA concentration (µg/L) September 2024

0 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 0.02 µg/L

0.014 µg/L

Detected

µg/L

0.004 µg/L

EPA limit

guideline

255% above limit

Comparison

vs. guideline

EPA limit: 0.004 µg/L | Your water: 0.014 µg/L

Certified Filters for Dover Tap Water

PFOA (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected above EPA limits. These filters are independently certified to reduce common drinking-water contaminants.

Pitcher filter

Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher

NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.

Best for renters or quick setup. No installation needed.

See certified filter on Amazon

Under-sink RO system

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System

8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.

Best for homeowners. Heavy-duty filtration for long-term protection.

See certified filter on Amazon

Most elevated compounds

Compound	Measurement	EPA Limit	Comparison
PFOA Tested: July 2024 · ROCKAWAY BORO WATER DEPT	0.014 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	255% above limit
PFOA Tested: September 2024 · Princeton Ave. Air Stripping Facility 2	0.012 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	200% above limit
PFOA Tested: September 2024 · Princeton Ave. Air Stripping Facility 1	0.009 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	135% above limit
PFPeA Tested: September 2024 · Princeton Ave. Air Stripping Facility 2	0.007 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	127% above limit
PFBS Tested: July 2024 · ROCKAWAY BORO WATER DEPT	0.007 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	120% above limit

View all tested compounds

Princeton Ave. Air Stripping Facility 2 · Tested: September 2024

Compound	Measurement	EPA Limit	Comparison
PFOA	0.012 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	200% above limit
PFPeA	0.007 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	127% above limit
PFOS	0.008 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	102% above limit
PFBS	0.004 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	20% above limit
PFHpA	0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	7% above limit
PFHxS	0.006 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	56% of limit
PFHxA	0.005 µg/L	3 µg/L	0.2% of limit
PFBA	0.006 µg/L	6 µg/L	0.1% of limit
lithium	<9.000 µg/L	10 µg/L	Below limit
HFPO-DA	<0.005 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	Below limit
PFNA	<0.004 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
4:2 FTS	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
6:2 FTS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
8:2 FTS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS	<0.002 µg/L	0.002 µg/L	Below limit
ADONA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFDA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFDoA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFHpS	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFTrDA	<0.007 µg/L	0.007 µg/L	Below limit
PFUnA	<0.002 µg/L	0.002 µg/L	Below limit

ROCKAWAY BORO WATER DEPT · Tested: July 2024

Compound	Measurement	EPA Limit	Comparison
PFOA	0.014 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	255% above limit
PFBS	0.007 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	120% above limit
PFPeA	0.006 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	90% above limit
PFOS	0.006 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	62% above limit
PFHpA	0.004 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	23% above limit
PFHxS	0.006 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	62% of limit
PFHxA	0.005 µg/L	3 µg/L	0.2% of limit
lithium	<9.000 µg/L	10 µg/L	Below limit
HFPO-DA	<0.005 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	Below limit
PFNA	<0.004 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	Below limit
PFBA	<0.005 µg/L	6 µg/L	Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
4:2 FTS	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
6:2 FTS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
8:2 FTS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS	<0.002 µg/L	0.002 µg/L	Below limit
ADONA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFDA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFDoA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFHpS	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFTrDA	<0.007 µg/L	0.007 µg/L	Below limit
PFUnA	<0.002 µg/L	0.002 µg/L	Below limit

Princeton Ave. Air Stripping Facility 1 · Tested: September 2024

Compound	Measurement	EPA Limit	Comparison
PFOA	0.009 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	135% above limit
PFPeA	0.005 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	57% above limit
PFOS	0.006 µg/L	0.004 µg/L	47% above limit
PFHxS	0.004 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	43% of limit
PFHxA	0.004 µg/L	3 µg/L	0.1% of limit
lithium	<9.000 µg/L	10 µg/L	Below limit
HFPO-DA	<0.005 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	Below limit
PFNA	<0.004 µg/L	0.01 µg/L	Below limit
PFBA	<0.005 µg/L	6 µg/L	Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
4:2 FTS	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
6:2 FTS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
8:2 FTS	<0.005 µg/L	0.005 µg/L	Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS	<0.002 µg/L	0.002 µg/L	Below limit
ADONA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFBS	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFDA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFDoA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFHpA	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFHpS	<0.003 µg/L	0.003 µg/L	Below limit
PFTrDA	<0.007 µg/L	0.007 µg/L	Below limit
PFUnA	<0.002 µg/L	0.002 µg/L	Below limit

Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)

Guideline source EPA PFAS drinking water standard (PFOA: 0,004 µg/L, effective 2024, compliance by 2031)

Last tested September 2024

Last page update 2026-03-31

Check another ZIP code

Nearby ZIP reports

Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.

Protect your water in Dover → see certified filters