New Air Quality Monitoring Available in Townsend
Date Posted: Friday, September 4th, 2026The Town of Townsend is pleased to announce that a PurpleAir air quality sensor has been installed at Townsend Town Hall, providing our community with access to real-time information about local outdoor air quality and smoke conditions.
The sensor was installed in partnership with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Air Quality, as part of Delaware’s statewide PurpleAir sensor program. The sensor monitors particulate matter (PM) in the outdoor air and reports live data to the EPA AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
📍 Check Townsend’s Air Quality in Real Time
Residents can now view the current air quality conditions in and around Townsend through the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. The information is displayed using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which uses a color-coded system to help residents understand current air quality conditions and potential health concerns.
AQI levels include:
- 🟢 Green – Good (0–50): Air quality is satisfactory, with little or no risk.
- 🟡 Yellow – Moderate (51–100): Air quality is generally acceptable, although some individuals may be at greater risk.
- 🟠 Orange – Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101–150): Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects.
- 🔴 Red – Unhealthy (151–200): Some members of the general public may experience health effects, while sensitive groups may experience more serious effects.
- 🟣 Purple – Very Unhealthy (201–300): The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
- 🟤 Maroon – Hazardous (301+): Health warnings indicate emergency conditions, with everyone more likely to be affected.
💨 What Does the Sensor Measure?
PurpleAir sensors monitor particulate matter (PM), which consists of small solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. Fine particulate matter is of particular concern because it can be inhaled into the lungs. Elevated levels of particulate matter can contribute to or worsen respiratory issues, including coughing and difficulty breathing.
The sensor can be particularly useful during events that may affect local air quality, such as smoke from wildfires or other sources.
📲 How Can I Check the Air Quality?
The Townsend sensor is available through the EPA AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, where residents can view current conditions and nearby air quality monitoring information.
Scan the QR code on the Town’s PurpleAir information flyer to access the map and view local air quality.
The Town will also have informational materials available at Town Hall to help residents learn more about the sensor and how to use the available air quality information. DNREC has confirmed that the Townsend sensor is now live and accessible through the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
🤝 A Partnership for a Healthier Community
The Town of Townsend is proud to participate in Delaware’s efforts to expand local air quality monitoring. The sensor was provided and installed by DNREC at no cost to the Town, with the installation requiring minimal disturbance to the Town Hall building. The sensor also requires no ongoing maintenance by the Town.
We encourage residents to take advantage of this new resource and check local air quality conditions when planning outdoor activities, particularly during periods of smoke or elevated particulate matter.
For additional information about Delaware’s air quality programs, visit DNREC’s Air Quality resources or contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Division of Air Quality.
Thank you to DNREC for partnering with the Town of Townsend to bring this valuable resource to our community!
