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Norfolk Drinking Water Quality

What's Really in Your Tap Water?

Good news for Norfolk residents — your tap water meets all federal safety standards. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 4 violations recorded over the past 3 years.

A

Safe to Drink

Meets all EPA standards

Lead

Below EPA action level

4.43ppb
EPA Limit

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Hardness

Hardness data not available

Violations

Past 3 years

4total

All administrative/monitoring

View EPA report →

Is Norfolk Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Norfolk tap water meets all EPA health standards and is safe to drink.

  • •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
  • •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
  • •4 monitoring/reporting violations (administrative, not health-related).
  • •For complete peace of mind, consider testing your home's water—contaminants can enter through your plumbing.

The data below shows test results from 4 water utilities serving 29K people in the Norfolk area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.

How Hard is Norfolk Water?

Water hardness data is not currently available for Norfolk.

Contact your local water utility for this information.

Your pipes tell a different story

The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Norfolk tap water.

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Water splashing from a kitchen faucet

Lead & Contaminants

Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Norfolk

Lead Test Results

90th Percentile Lead Level

4.43 ppb

Below EPA Action Level
0EPA Limit (15)30+

Norfolk lead levels are well within safe limits.

Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.

Last sampled: 2025-12-31

About Lead in Drinking Water

What is Lead in Water?

Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.

Potential Health Effects

Children

Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues

Adults

High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues

How to Reduce Exposure

  • •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
  • •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
  • •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
  • •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986

EPA Compliance History

Active Violations

Administrative issues pending

Current violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.

3-Year Violation Summary

4

Total Violations

0

Health-Related

4

Administrative

Active violations pending resolution

Health-Related Violations

Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.

Administrative Violations

Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.

View Full EPA Compliance Report for Norfolk

Who Provides Norfolk's Water?

Utility Name

NORFOLK, CITY OF

EPA System ID (PWSID)

NE3111910

Primary Water Source

Groundwater

Population Served

29K

View Full EPA Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Norfolk tap water quality

Yes, Norfolk tap water is safe to drink. The water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations in the past 3 years. Lead levels are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Lead levels (4.43 ppb) are below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Norfolk's tap water is provided by NORFOLK, CITY OF. The EPA system ID (PWSID) is NE3111910. The primary water source is Groundwater. You can find official water quality reports and contact information through your local utility.
Norfolk tap water meets all EPA standards and is safe to drink without filtration.
Norfolk's water utility has had 4 violations in the past 3 years. Of these, 0 were health-based and 4 were monitoring/reporting related.
Norfolk's water utility uses chlorine or chloramine to disinfect the water supply. This is a safe and common practice required by the EPA. The taste is usually more noticeable in warm weather or near treatment facilities. To reduce chlorine taste, let water sit in an open pitcher for 30 minutes, use a refrigerator filter, or install a carbon filter on your tap.
Norfolk's tap water primarily comes from groundwater sources. The water undergoes treatment at local facilities before being distributed through the municipal water system. The water is provided by NORFOLK, CITY OF.

Nearby Cities in Nebraska

Omaha

Very Hard water

Lincoln

Very Hard water

Grand Island

Papillion

Very Hard water

Kearney

Fremont

Very Hard water

View all Nebraska cities

This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology