Delaware River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in Delaware

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

Delaware River Map showing major rivers in Delaware, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Delaware State

Rivers and Waterways in Delaware

Delaware’s river system is relatively small but vital, shaped by its flat coastal plains and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Most rivers flow eastward into Delaware Bay or directly into the Atlantic, while the northern part of the state connects to the Delaware River system. Slow-moving rivers and tidal waterways are common, especially in southern areas. Delaware also relies on a few reservoirs and ponds that support drinking water, agriculture, and local ecosystems across the state.

Major Rivers in Delaware

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Delaware River330 miNorthDelaware Bay
Christina River12 miNorthDelaware River
Brandywine Creek20 miNorthChristina River
Appoquinimink River15 miCentralDelaware Bay
Leipsic River20 miCentralDelaware Bay
St. Jones River20 miCentralDelaware Bay
Murderkill River20 miCentralDelaware Bay
Broadkill River16 miSouthDelaware Bay
Mispillion River15 miSouthDelaware Bay
Nanticoke River64 miSouthwestChesapeake Bay
Indian River14 miSouthIndian River Bay
Little River12 miCentralSt. Jones River
Blackbird Creek10 miNorthDelaware Bay
Duck Creek15 miCentralDelaware Bay
Dirickson Creek10 miSouthAtlantic Ocean
Pocomoke River66 miSouthwestChesapeake Bay
Wicomico River24 miSouthwestChesapeake Bay
Assawoman Canal5 miSouthAtlantic Ocean

Major Lakes in Delaware

LakeTypeRegion
Lums PondReservoirNorth
Killens PondReservoirCentral
Silver LakeNatural lakeCentral
Moores LakeNatural lakeCentral
Wagamons PondReservoirSouth
Records PondReservoirSouth
Trap PondNatural lakeSouth
Concord PondReservoirSouth
Hearns PondReservoirSouth
Chipmans PondReservoirCentral

Major River Basins in Delaware

Delaware’s river basins are small and mostly coastal, with water flowing into Delaware Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, or the Chesapeake Bay. These basins are essential for managing tidal flow, protecting wetlands, and supporting water supply in the state.

  • Delaware River Basin
  • Christina River Basin
  • Appoquinimink River Basin
  • St. Jones River Basin
  • Murderkill River Basin
  • Broadkill River Basin
  • Nanticoke River Basin
  • Indian River Basin
  • Mispillion River Basin

Delaware Rivers Facts

StateDelaware
Total Rivers & Streams2,500+ miles of streams
Major RiversDelaware, Nanticoke, Christina
Total Waterway Length2,700+ miles
Main DrainageDelaware Bay & Chesapeake Bay
Longest RiverDelaware River
Shortest RiverAssawoman Canal
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletAtlantic Ocean
Key UsesWater supply, agriculture, fisheries, recreation
Longest River Within StateNanticoke River
Number of River Basins6–9 Basins
Major ReservoirsLums Pond, Killens Pond, Records Pond
Primary Water SourceSurface water and groundwater