Is Norcross, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
62/100
waterverge.com Norcross, GA — Water Quality Report
Norcross's drinking water received a grade of C (62 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 60 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Norcross's water
Norcross ranks #290 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Norcross relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Norcross may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Norcross, GA water safe to drink?
Norcross's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Norcross
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Norcross's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4338). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3387). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Norcross's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Norcross's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gwinnett County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1995. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Sweetwater Creek, Beaver Ruin Creek, Trib To Bromolow Crk, Jackson Creek, Jackson Creek Trib 1.
Where does Norcross's water come from?
Norcross's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sweetwater Creek (river), Beaver Ruin Creek (river), Trib To Bromolow Crk (river), Jackson Creek (river), Jackson Creek Trib 1 (river).
What Norcross residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Norcross's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Norcross's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Norcross
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Norcross, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 7 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GLOBAL DORAVILLE TERMINAL DORAVILLE, GA30360 | 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene | 7 | 4.0 mi |
OLDCASTLE PRECAST INC STONE MOUNTAIN, GA30083 | Lead compounds | 0 | 7.2 mi |
PROFORM FINISHING PRODUCTS - ATLANTA DULUTH, GA30096 | Lead compounds | 0 | 3.4 mi |
READY MIX USA LLC-JOHNS CREEK PLANT SUWANEE, GA30024 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
AGCO INC NORCROSS, GA30071 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGwinnett County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Gwinnett County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1995. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Norcross's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 16.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Norcross compares by contaminant
Explore where Norcross ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Norcross's water comes from
Norcross's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Norcross
Norcross is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Norcross
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JONES MOBILE HOME PARK | GA1350011 | 800 | GW |
How Norcross compares
Full Georgia rankings →Norcross's score of 62/100 is on par with the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Norcross, GA
Wikipedia →Norcross is a city in Gwinnett County, Georgia, about 15 miles northeast of Atlanta city limits. According to the 2010 census, the population was 9,116, while in 2020, the population increased to 17,209. Norcross is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, located near the Spaghetti Junction interchange of Interstate 85 and Interstate 285.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Norcross's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gwinnett
Frequently asked questions
Is Norcross, GA tap water safe to drink?
Norcross's water quality earned a grade of C (62/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #290 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Norcross's water?
Lead was measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Norcross's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Norcross?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Norcross's water come from?
Norcross's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
Is Norcross's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Norcross uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 60 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Norcross's water compare to other cities?
Norcross ranks #290 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 23% of state cities) and #11934 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Norcross's small water system affect quality?
Norcross's system serves approximately 800 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 60 violations on record.