Skip to main content
WaterSafeCheck
EPA SDWIS City OverviewWater Testing & Safety Guide

Norfolk, VA Water Quality Testing & Safety Report

EPA compliance records, water testing guidelines, and hardness metrics for all 24 ZIP codes in Norfolk, Virginia

Sahajul HaqueData aggregated & verified by Sahajul Haque from federal SDWIS & ECHO filings
Quick EPA Verified Summary

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Norfolk, VA?

Yes, tap water in Norfolk, VA is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The city earns an average EPA Safety Grade of A (89/100) across 24 ZIP codes with 0 health violations and moderately hard (105 mg/L / 6.1 GPG) water. Certified testing is recommended for older plumbing or private wells.

Average Score

89/100

Health Violations

0

Water Hardness

Moderately Hard

105 mg/L (6.1 GPG)

High Lead Risk

14

of 24 ZIP codes

A

About Tap Water in Norfolk, VA

Drinking water in Norfolk, VA receives an average water quality grade of A (score: 89/100) across its 24 ZIP codes. Safe Drinking Water Act compliance monitoring is managed by local utilities including City of Norfolk,.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Norfolk are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Water Quality Testing in Norfolk, VA

Tap Water & Well Water Testing Recommendations

Testing your drinking water in Norfolk confirms whether contaminants like lead, nitrates, bacteria, and PFAS are entering your home. While municipal utilities test water before distribution, private plumbing and private well systems require homeowner testing.

Tap Water Testing Checklist

  • 1.Identify your plumbing age: Homes built before 1986 in Norfolk may have lead solder or lead service lines.
  • 2.Request your utility's latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for annual municipal baseline data.
  • 3.Use an EPA-certified laboratory or state-certified test kit for precision lead and PFAS detection (standard DIY strips cannot reliably measure trace heavy metals).
  • 4.Collect a "first draw" sample: Test water that has sat motionless in pipes for at least 6 hours to check for plumbing corrosion.

Private Well Water Testing Checklist

  • •Private wells in VA are not monitored by the EPA or Virginia Department of Health — testing is 100% the homeowner's responsibility.
  • •Annual Test: Screen for Total Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates/Nitrites, and pH every spring.
  • •Comprehensive Test (Every 3-5 Years): Test for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Uranium), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Hardness.
  • •Post-Disruption Testing: Immediately test well water following heavy floods, local construction, agricultural runoff, or sudden taste/odor changes.

Critical Water Testing Parameters for Norfolk Residents

ParameterHealth ReasonEPA Limit / Standard
Lead (Pb)Plumbing corrosion; dangerous neurotoxin for children15 ppb (Action Level) / 0 ppb Goal
Total Coliform & E. ColiBacterial contamination from sewage or surface runoff0 mg/L (Zero Tolerance)
Nitrates / NitritesFertilizer and septic tank seepage; causes blue baby syndrome10 mg/L (MCL)
Water Hardness (Ca & Mg)Affects appliance lifespan, scale buildup, and skin hydrationModerate (~100 mg/L)
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")Industrial non-stick chemicals linked to metabolic and immune issues4.0 ppt (EPA 2024 Rule)
State Regulatory Oversight: Environmental standards and certified water lab registries in VA are maintained by the Virginia Department of Health.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Norfolk, VA

Showing 24 of 24 monitored ZIP codes in Norfolk

A
23506

Norfolk, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
23511

Norfolk, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
23512

Norfolk, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
23519

Norfolk, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
23521

Norfolk, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
23529

Norfolk, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
23541

Norfolk, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
23551

Norfolk, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
23501

Norfolk, VA

Score: 95/100✓ Clean Record
A
23514

Norfolk, VA

Score: 95/100✓ Clean Record
A
23520

Norfolk, VA

Score: 95/100✓ Clean Record
A
23517

Norfolk, VA

Score: 90/100✓ Clean Record
A
23515

Norfolk, VA

Score: 87/100✓ Clean Record
A
23513

Norfolk, VA

Score: 85/100✓ Clean Record
A
23523

Norfolk, VA

Score: 85/100✓ Clean Record
B
23502

Norfolk, VA

Score: 80/100✓ Clean Record
B
23504

Norfolk, VA

Score: 80/100✓ Clean Record
B
23505

Norfolk, VA

Score: 80/100✓ Clean Record
B
23507

Norfolk, VA

Score: 80/100✓ Clean Record
B
23509

Norfolk, VA

Score: 80/100✓ Clean Record
B
23510

Norfolk, VA

Score: 80/100✓ Clean Record
B
23518

Norfolk, VA

Score: 80/100✓ Clean Record
B
23503

Norfolk, VA

Score: 75/100✓ Clean Record
B
23508

Norfolk, VA

Score: 75/100✓ Clean Record

All Norfolk, VA ZIP Code Reports (24 Total)

235062351123512235192352123529235412355123501235142352023517235152351323523235022350423505235072350923510235182350323508

Nearby Cities Water Quality & Testing in Virginia

Compare tap water safety, EPA test scores, and water hardness across neighboring cities in Virginia:

Abingdon, VA3 ZIP codes
Grade B
Accomac, VA1 ZIP code
Grade C
Achilles, VA1 ZIP code
Grade C
Afton, VA1 ZIP code
Grade C
Alberta, VA1 ZIP code
Grade D
Aldie, VA1 ZIP code
Grade B
Alexandria, VA23 ZIP codes
Grade A
Altavista, VA1 ZIP code
Grade C

Frequently Asked Questions — Norfolk Water Quality & Testing

Is tap water safe to drink in Norfolk, VA?+
Yes — tap water in Norfolk meets federal EPA standards and earns a A grade. It is generally safe for healthy adults. As always, running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a filter adds extra protection for vulnerable populations.
How do I test water quality in Norfolk, VA?+
To test water quality in Norfolk, you can order an EPA-compliant drinking water test kit or submit samples to a state-certified environmental testing laboratory in VA. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 (to check for lead in plumbing) and for properties with private well systems.
Should I test private well water in Norfolk?+
Yes. Unlike municipal tap water, private wells in Norfolk, VA are not monitored or regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners are responsible for testing their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
How hard is the tap water in Norfolk?+
Tap water in Norfolk is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated average hardness of 105 mg/L (6.1 GPG). A water softener is generally optional.
What is the water quality score for Norfolk?+
The average water quality score across 24 ZIP codes in Norfolk, VA is 89/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Norfolk have lead in its tap water?+
14 out of 24 ZIP codes in Norfolk are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures. Residents should run their tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter.
Where does Norfolk's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Norfolk, VA primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

Looking for water quality reports in other cities in Virginia?

View All Cities & ZIPs in Virginia