Public Water or Private Well?

Everything else on this site depends on getting this one answer right first.

Short answer: Check for a water bill from a city, town, or utility (public water), or a wellhead, pressure tank, and no water bill (private well). If you're not sure, check your property's real estate listing, ask the seller or landlord, or contact your local water utility to ask if they serve your address.

Signs you're on public water

You receive a monthly or quarterly water bill from a city, town, authority, or investor-owned utility
Your neighborhood has visible fire hydrants
Your property record or closing documents mention a specific water utility

Signs you're on a private well

No water bill for water service (though you may still get a separate wastewater/septic bill)
A visible wellhead, pressure tank, or well equipment in a basement, utility room, or yard
Rural or low-density location, though this is not a guarantee either way

Step-by-step

Check recent utility bills for a water line item separate from sewer/wastewater.
Look for a wellhead or well equipment on the property.
Check your property's real estate disclosure or closing documents.
If still unsure, contact your municipality or a neighboring utility to ask whether they serve your address.

Why this matters

Public water and private wells follow completely different rules in Delaware. Public systems are tested by the utility and reported in a CCR; private wells are entirely the homeowner's responsibility to test. Getting this answer right determines which guides on this site actually apply to you.

Official sources

Drinking Water Watch (search to see if a system serves your area)
DNREC Well Viewer (search for a well record at your address)

Can a property have both a well and a public water connection?

It's uncommon but possible, especially with irrigation wells alongside a public drinking-water connection. Confirm which source supplies your household drinking water specifically.

Educational information only, not a substitute for confirming your specific water source directly.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-11. Report a correction.