Is Norman, AR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68/100
waterverge.com Norman, AR — Water Quality Report
Norman's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using purchased surface water.
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 134 violations on record, including 69 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Norman's water
Norman ranks #280 out of 345 cities in Arkansas for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Norman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Norman, AR water safe to drink?
Norman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Norman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Norman's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4873). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3541). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Norman's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Norman's water system has 134 total violations on record, including 69 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Caddo River Near Caddo Gap.
Where does Norman's water come from?
Norman's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Caddo River Near Caddo Gap (river).
What Norman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Norman'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.
Norman'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMontgomery County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Montgomery County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 Norman compares by contaminant
Explore where Norman ranks among all Arkansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Norman's water comes from
Norman's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 750 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Norman
Norman is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Norman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORMAN WATERWORKS | AR0000391 | 750 | SWP |
How Norman compares
Full Arkansas rankings →Norman's score of 68/100 is below the average of 75/100 among major Arkansas cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Arkansas rankings →About Norman, AR
Wikipedia →Norman is a town in Montgomery County, Arkansas, United States. It was known as Womble until 1925. The population was 303 at the 2020 census, down from 378 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Norman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montgomery
Frequently asked questions
Is Norman, AR tap water safe to drink?
Norman's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #280 out of 345 cities tested in Arkansas.
What contaminants are in Norman's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 134 violations are on record.
How is Norman'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 Norman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Norman's water come from?
Norman's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Norman's water system had?
Norman has 69 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Norman's water compare to other cities?
Norman ranks #280 out of 345 cities in Arkansas (better than 19% of state cities) and #11146 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Norman's small water system affect quality?
Norman's system serves approximately 750 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 134 violations on record.