
Delaware's water, both ground and surface, is one of its most important natural resources. It is essential for meeting the needs of all segments of our society and for maintaining economic growth and agriculture. At this time all water used for public and domestic supply and more than 98% of water used for irrigation south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is ground water. North of the canal, approximately 70% of public water supplies are obtained from four surface-water sources (creeks) and 30% from ground-water resources.
Hydrologic investigations are fundamentally important in aiding policy decision makers. A key mission of the Delaware Geological Survey is to inform and educate resource managers about our water resources so those resources can be protected and sustained. The Delaware Geological Survey, by statute, manages and provides liaison for all state-federal projects related to the DGS-USGS Joint-Funded and Partnering Programs.
Groundwater Data
The vast majority of groundwater level data available on this page were measured in monitoring or observation wells by staff members of the DGS. For some wells, water levels were measured by employees of other state agencies, the USGS, and consulting firms. Users should be aware that all historic data records have been checked by DGS staff; however, they are subject to revision. Real-time data provided through the links below are provisional. If you have questions or require additional information about the wells or measurements, please contact the DGS through the address at the bottom of this page.
- DGS's groundwater monitoring program
- Data and Graphs of Water Level Summaries for Wells for 20+ years or 100+ observations
- Water Level Summary Table for Index Wells with 30+ years of data
- Tab delimited table of all wells with 100 or more observations
- Spreadsheet table of all wells with 4 or more observations
- Water table digital elevation models New Castle Co.
- Water table digital elevation models Kent Co.
- Water table digital elevation models Sussex Co.
Real-Time Data (DEOS web site)
- DGS/DEOS real-time data well Cb51-184
- DGS/DEOS real-time data well Oh51-09
- DGS/DEOS/DSWA real-time data well Pe54-51
- DGS/DEOS/DSWA real-time data well Kb32-75
Additional Resources
- Water Conditions Summary for Delaware
- Delaware Geological Survey - US Geological Survey Stream and Tide Gaging Program
- Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS)
- Delaware Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Center (DEMAC)
- Office of the Delaware State Climatologist
- USGS Surface-Water Data for Delaware (stream and tide data)
- University of Delaware Water Resources Center
- University of Delaware Water Resources Agency