Is Norfolk (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.8/100
Norfolk (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Norfolk (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (70.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,330 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 181 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Norfolk (T)'s water
Norfolk (T) ranks #707 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Norfolk (T) 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.
As a small community water system, Norfolk (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Norfolk (T), NY water safe to drink?
Norfolk (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,330 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Norfolk (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Norfolk (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Norfolk (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Norfolk (T)'s water system has 181 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Norfolk (T)'s water come from?
Norfolk (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,330 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Grass River (river), Raquette River (river).
What Norfolk (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Norfolk (T)'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Norfolk (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Norfolk (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Norfolk (T)'s water comes from
Norfolk (T)'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,330 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Norfolk (T)
Norfolk (T) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Norfolk (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORFOLK WATER DISTRICT | NY4404392 | 2,300 | GW |
| PINE GROVE MOBILE HOME PARK | NY4410176 | 30 | GW |
How Norfolk (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Norfolk (T)'s score of 70.8/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Norfolk (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Norfolk (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Norfolk (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Norfolk (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (70.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #707 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Norfolk (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 181 violations are on record.
How is Norfolk (T)'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 Norfolk (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Norfolk (T)'s water come from?
Norfolk (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,330 residents.
What health violations has Norfolk (T)'s water system had?
Norfolk (T) has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Norfolk (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Norfolk (T) 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 181 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 Norfolk (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Norfolk (T) ranks #707 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 17% of state cities) and #10677 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.