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Is Norfolk Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Yes! Generally Safe to Drink*

LAST UPDATED: 7:47 pm, July 31, 2022
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Table of Contents

Can You Drink Tap Water in Norfolk?

Yes, Norfolk's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Norfolk has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.

According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Norfolk's water utility, Naval Station Norfolk, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Norfolk was resolved on Oct. 31, 2013. This assessment is based on the Naval Station Norfolk water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.

While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.

The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.

Norfolk Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years

Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Naval Station Norfolk for Norfolk in Virginia. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.

From Oct. 1, 2013 to Oct. 31, 2013, Norfolk had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Monthly (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).

From July 1, 2013 to July 31, 2013, Norfolk had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Monthly (TCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Coliform (TCR).

Is there Lead in Norfolk Water?

Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Norfolk water system, Naval Station Norfolk, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.003 mg/L of lead in Norfolk water. This is 20.0% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Norfolk contained more lead.

While Norfolk water testing may have found 0.003 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.

No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.

Are there PFAS in Norfolk Tap Water?

Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Norfolk Virginia Naval Base - near Norfolk with suspected leaks.

With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Norfolk has been evaluated for yet.

Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.

Norfolk SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years

Compliance Period Status Health-Based? Category Code Code Rule Code Contaminant Code Rule Group Code Rule Family Code
10/01/2013 - 10/31/2013 Resolved Yes Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Monthly (TCR) (22) Total Coliform Rule (110) Coliform (TCR) (3100) Microbials (100) Total Coliform Rules (110)
07/01/2013 - 07/31/2013 Resolved Yes Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Monthly (TCR) (22) Total Coliform Rule (110) Coliform (TCR) (3100) Microbials (100) Total Coliform Rules (110)

What do these Violations Mean?

Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.

Health Based Violations

  1. Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
  2. Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
  3. Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.

Non-Health Based Violations

  1. Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
  2. Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
  3. Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.

SDWA Table Key

Field Description
Compliance Period Dates of the compliance period.
Status Current status of the violation.
  • Resolved - The violation has at least one resolving enforcement action. In SDWIS, this indicates that either the system has returned to compliance from the violation, the rule that was violated was no longer applicable, or no further action was needed.
  • Archived - The violation is not Resolved, but is more than five years past its compliance period end date. In keeping with the Enforcement Response Policy, the violation no longer contributes to the public water system's overall compliance status. Unresolved violations are also marked as Archived when a system ceases operations (becomes inactive).
  • Addressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and is addressed by one or more formal enforcement actions.
  • Unaddressed - The violation is not Resolved or Archived, and has not been addressed by formal enforcement.
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Health-Based? Whether the violation is health based.
Category Code
The category of violation that is reported.
  • TT - Treatment Technique Violation
  • MRDL - Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level
  • Other - Other Violation
  • MCL - Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
  • MR - Monitoring and Reporting
  • MON - Monitoring Violation
  • RPT - Reporting Violation
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Code A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table.
Contaminant Code A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation.
Rule Code Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rule
  • 121 - Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 122 - Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 123 - Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Ground Water Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 331 - Nitrates
  • 332 - Arsenic
  • 333 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 111 - Revised Total Coliform Rule
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Rule Group Code Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
  • 120 - Surface Water Treatment Rules
  • 130 - Filter Backwash Rule
  • 140 - Groundwater Rule
  • 210 - Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 220 - Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 230 - Total Trihalomethanes
  • 310 - Volatile Organic Chemicals
  • 320 - Synthetic Organic Chemicals
  • 330 - Inorganic Chemicals
  • 340 - Radionuclides
  • 350 - Lead and Copper Rule
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
  • 110 - Total Coliform Rules
  • 410 - Public Notice Rule
  • 420 - Consumer Confidence Rule
  • 430 - Miscellaneous
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Rule Family Code Code for rule family.
  • 100 - Microbials
  • 200 - Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
  • 300 - Chemicals
  • 400 - Other
  • 500 - Not Regulated
show details

For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.

Norfolk Water - Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DO I CONTACT NORFOLK CUSTOMER SERVICE?
To contact customer service for the Norfolk water provider, Naval Station Norfolk, please use the information below.
By Mail: 9742 Maryland Ave.
NORFOLK, VA, 23511-3095
HOW TO PAY BILL FOR NAVAL STATION NORFOLK
Already have an account?

Existing customers can login to their Naval Station Norfolk account to pay their Norfolk water bill by clicking here.

Want to create a new account?

If you want to pay your Naval Station Norfolk bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Norfolk water bill.

Want to pay without an account?

If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Norfolk water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.

HOW TO START & STOP NORFOLK WATER SERVICE
Starting Your Service

Moving to a new house or apartment in Norfolk means you will often need to put the water in your name with Naval Station Norfolk. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.

Start Service Form

Want to create a new account?

Leaving your house or apartment in Norfolk means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Naval Station Norfolk. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

Stop Service Form

Is Norfolk Tap Water Safe to Drink? Tap water & safety quality

The estimated price of bottled water

$1.83 in USD (1.5-liter)

USER SUBMITTED RATINGS

Norfolk tap water
  • Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility 25% Low
  • Water Pollution 75% High
  • Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility 75% High
  • Water Quality 25% Low

The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Norfolk, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).

Related FAQS

Contaminants


City of Norfolk

EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Virginia Department of Health - Office of Drinking Water, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.

Utility details

  • Serves: 234220
  • Data available: 2012-2017
  • Data Source: Surface water
  • Total: 23

Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines

  • Bromodichloromethane
  • Chloroform
  • Chromium (hexavalent)
  • Dibromochloromethane
  • Dichloroacetic acid
  • Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
  • Trichloroacetic acid

Other Detected Contaminants

  • 1%2C2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP)
  • Aluminum
  • Atrazine
  • Barium
  • Bromochloroacetic acid
  • Chlorate
  • Dalapon
  • Dibromoacetic acid
  • Fluoride
  • Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
  • Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
  • Manganese
  • Monobromoacetic acid
  • Monochloroacetic acid
  • Nitrate and nitrite
  • Strontium

Reminder

Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.

Sources and Resources

Norfolk Tap Water

What is so special about Norfolk Tap Water? Let’s start by discussing the city of Norfolk, Virginia. It was here in this valley town that Thomas Edison made his historic trip to England’s small city of Norfolk. While there he discovered the location of this town and the natural resources of the surrounding area. It was these natural resources that led him to apply these skills to harness the power of electricity and to devise a new source of energy.

Norfolk Tap Water is produced by the award-winning Norfolk Power Plant, which draws its power from a hydroelectric dam. The dam also feeds into the tidal stream of the Potomac River. As a result, the water produced by this dam eventually makes its way into our local rivers and streams. Now you can see why so many people are so proud of this plant for its contribution to our local water sources. So much of our clean water comes from Norfolk Water.

There are several Norfolk Water companies in the area with many more on the way. This means that when you visit this great city you will have no problem finding a company that provides you with the quality water you need. Why not go online today to find the perfect water filtration system for your home. You may be surprised to learn that there are so many different types of water filtering systems and products to choose from. But when it comes to your family’s health, safety, and well-being, don’t you agree that it’s a better idea to take the right precautions than to take any chances at all?

Norfolk Drinking Water

While you are looking for Norfolk, Virginia drinking water, one of the first places that should pop up in your search is its state capital: Norfolk. The city is located on the shores of the famous Norfolk Sound and boasts a rich history that dates back to the American Revolution. Today, Norfolk houses a wide variety of government and non-profit agencies, including a national civil rights museum and a Women’s Resource Center. In addition to housing the city’s drinking water, the city also serves as the headquarters for several civic organizations, including the Virginia Medical Society, the Virginia Air Force Academy, the Norfolk College Board, and the Chrysler Museum. The city has also become home to several major corporations with headquarters in Norfolk, including Chrysler, Norfolk State University, and The Boeing Company.

Because many cities across Virginia have contaminated groundwater due to nutrient-rich farm fields and industrial waste, Norfolk’s tap water has also been found to contain high levels of chemicals and pesticides since the turn of the century. In addition, several industrial facilities, including the Chrysler Museum and Norfolk State University, leave traces of harmful chemicals in the ground which seep into the groundwater and contaminates the city’s water supply. While the city has worked hard to clean up its water supply, the contaminants in the groundwater have still proven to be too much for Norfolk’s well-water to take on and resist. One problem that Norfolk is facing right now is that without a method of controlling runoff from its own stormwater runoff into its tributaries, Norfolk is in danger of becoming plagued with flooding and drought, two problems that impact Norfolk and its residents more than any other place in the state. And because Norfolk relies so heavily on the city’s water supply to meet its needs and meet the demands of its growing population, if the trend continues, the city will find itself even more compromised by water shortages and rising costs in the future.

Luckily, there are solutions available to Norfolk’s drinking water stations. There are various methods for purifying the water in the city, including disinfecting and ionizing it or introducing natural compounds that will counteract the effects of chemical pollutants in the groundwater. Additionally, there are several methods for creating more efficient systems that reduce the amount of power needed to fill up a typical water line. These methods can help save money for the city and allow Norfolk to conserve its natural resources in the process.

Norfolk Water Treatment Plant

The city is very popular because of its beaches and its close proximity to the naval base at Norfolk Naval Station. Norfolk is also home to a wide variety of unique cultures and traditions. The city has a rich history that dates back to the year seventeen hundred and forty-two.

If you’re looking for a good time at Norfolk, look no further than the city’s summer concerts and festivals. These events offer entertainment and education at their best. There are tons of bands playing all sorts of music including classical, folk, blues, gospel, and much more. Come see why Norfolk is a popular summer destination for tourists and residents alike.

Look no further than the Norfolk water treatment plant. A visit to this facility is one of the most exciting things you can do in Norfolk. This huge building is home to one of the largest water treatment plants in the world. The water treatment plant treats all types of water from raw rainwater to highly contaminated saltwater. If you have never been inside the building, it is truly a sight to behold.

Norfolk Water Quality

One of the biggest concerns surrounding the Hampton Roads area is the quality of the water supply, and Norfolk is not exempted. With a population that’s well over 5 million people, there are lots of houses and property that rely on the water supply to carry away all their needs, from fresh clean drinking water to washing machines and everything else. With a poor water supply, there’s simply no way for the people in Norfolk to do all their basic needs, like clean, fresh water, or for their own personal hygiene. That’s why the city is investing in new infrastructure improvements to provide better water quality to residents, and also to make sure Norfolk is able to keep up with all the growing population that’s in the area.

The problem of course is that most cities are just large-scale systems, and the pipes and sewers are old and out of date. It’s important to remember that you can’t expect a city of this size to have all of its pipes upgraded and repaired, as that would cost a lot of money and take a long time. But it’s a good idea to check out your city’s water quality at least once a year, and if you live in Norfolk or have spent any time there in the past, you know there are a lot of issues there that need to be taken care of. For example, the water contains a lot of chemicals that people shouldn’t be exposed to, and the city isn’t very good at getting those chemicals out of the water. You can also look into what the quality of the soil is like in your area, as that could have an impact as well.

There are a couple of ways you can help ensure that your water is good enough. If you’re serviced by a public treatment facility, then you should see if you can get a copy of that report and go over it with a fine-tooth comb. Norfolk is one such area, as they offer one free sample of water to any home that asks for it. You can also ask the person who supplies your water to perform chemical tests on your water at your home on an annual basis. And finally, you can always buy some bottled water to take with you whenever you’re going somewhere where you might need to take a water sample.

Norfolk Water

Norfolk, Virginia is a city located in Virginia Beach, close to the coast of Virginia Beach. This city is very popular for its beautiful sandy beaches and beautiful scenery around the city. The city is the second-largest city in Virginia Beach and has a population of over twelve thousand people. The city was originally built as a military post and has had a lot of military influences in its history.

Norfolk is home to the American Hockey League’s Norfolk Admirals. The team is based in Norfolk and is one of the oldest organizations in the NHL. In 2021 the team was sold to a group of investors who own the NHL’s Norfolk Admirals. Many local and professional teams call Norfolk home as well including the Virginia Beach Flyers and the Reading Phillies. In 2021 the Flyers were relocated to Reading, Pennsylvania.

One of the major ports of call in Norfolk is Norfolk International Airport, which is the main airport in Virginia Beach. There are also many small airports servicing the area including the Ocean Gateway Airport, which is about fifteen miles from Norfolk. The closest hotel to the airfield is the Hampton Inn on the Oceanfront. Other local hotels that can be very useful if you are visiting in the off-season include the Harleysville Hotel and the Ritzy River Hotel.

Norfolk Water Utility

In addition to the city of Norfolk, Virginia, there is a town of Portsmouth that is also within the boundaries of Norfolk. As a result, many residents of Norfolk will use both a Norfolk water utility and a Portsmouth water utility, since the cost of servicing both is very similar. Both utilities provide stormwater control, as well as sewer and storm drainage systems. When shopping for a new water utility, you should look at both the costs and the service level of each one.

One thing that you should be aware of when comparing prices of utilities is how they are classified. For instance, if you live in a condo or rental on a piece of property, you will not be considered a residential customer, even though most properties include water meters and other devices to track the amount of water they contain. The classification of your property will determine the cost of your water utility and will affect the monthly bill that you pay. In a Norfolk house, the actual house is considered a residential customer, even if the lot is only a couple of hundred feet from the septic tank. Your monthly bill will therefore include both the water that the house itself provides and also the cost of the water that it sends to your condo or rental.

As mentioned above, you should also consider the cost of delivery or pickup of your water supply. While both are usually delivered for free, this can sometimes increase the total cost of your monthly bill. Many Norfolk water utility companies offer a special package for outside residential customers who deliver a certain volume of water per month. This can either be unlimited or a specific number of gallons. As a resident of Norfolk, you may also be eligible for a discount on your bill. If this is the case, ask your company for details.

Norfolk Water System

The vision of a perfect Norfolk health insurance plan has been shelved due to the recent downturn in the economy. Norfolk has many excellent health plans that offer great coverage, low premiums, and excellent service to their customers. Some offer the lowest premiums while maintaining high levels of service. One such company is Norfolk Union Health Plan. This organization has three main plans. The Silver Plus, Blue Plus, and Gold Plans offer varying degrees of coverage depending on what your individual needs are and your budget.

The Blue Vision Care System provides coverage for routine annual eye exams, preventive eye care, vision care services for children, and certain vision care services for adults and children with disabilities or special needs. If you have vision insurance that does not cover vision care, you can add a vision care provider group to your existing plan for a discounted rate. In addition, this group member can provide additional services that the primary provider does not provide. All of these benefits are included in the Silver Plus Plan, Blue Plus Plan, and Gold Plan.

For those individuals who need their regular eye exam, the Optometric Shared Services Plan covers the cost of an independent optometrist or ophthalmologist, in case of a vision care provider emergency. If you need vision care but do not have vision insurance, this plan can help fill the gap. All of these plans cover vision care providers, in case of emergencies only, so it is important that you make sure you are covered in case of an emergency.

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