Local water
Delaware County, PA Water and Sewer: A Homeowner’s Guide
Learn how public water and sewer service works in Delaware County, PA, what local reports say, and how to check your water pipes.
Delaware County has many water providers and local sewer systems. So one county-wide label cannot tell you exactly where your tap water comes from or which pipes serve your home. Your town and utility matter.
How does the sewer system work?
After water goes down a sink, shower, washer, or toilet, it may travel through a local sewer pipe to a treatment plant. In much of Delaware County, wastewater service is linked to DELCORA, the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority. DELCORA says it serves about half a million people in 46 towns across Delaware and Chester Counties. It reports an average daily flow of about 60 million gallons, with much higher peak flows during busy times. Learn about DELCORA’s system (opens in a new tab).
Some homes are not connected to a public sewer. They may use a private septic system. The Delaware County Health Department handles permits and inspections for private wells and small on-lot sewage systems. See county sewage and well information (opens in a new tab).
Are the water pipes old?
Pipe age depends on the town and water provider. A state-funded replacement project lists work in parts of Aldan, Haverford, Marple, Nether Providence, Springfield, and Upper Darby. The project replaces selected pipes that were near the end of their useful life, had a history of leaks, or were in poor condition. That is evidence of needed work in those listed areas, not proof that every pipe in Delaware County is failing. Read Pennsylvania’s project information (opens in a new tab).
Some water lines between older homes and street mains may also need identification. Chester Water Authority serves parts of western Delaware County and southern Chester County. It posts a map where customers can check the known material of their water service line. A service line is the small pipe that connects the main in the street to a building. Check Chester Water Authority’s service line information (opens in a new tab).
