Is Norton, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82/100
waterverge.com Norton, WV — Water Quality Report
Norton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,632 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.8 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 13 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Norton's water
Norton ranks #52 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Norton 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, Norton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Norton, WV water safe to drink?
Norton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,632 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Norton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Norton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4455). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Norton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Norton's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Randolph County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 Tygart Valley River, Tygart Valley River Bypass Channel, Middle Fork River.
Where does Norton's water come from?
Norton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,632 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tygart Valley River (river), Tygart Valley River Bypass Channel (river), Middle Fork River (river).
What Norton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Norton'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.
Norton'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 Norton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Norton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AHF PRODUCTS BEVERLY, WV26253 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
NORTHWEST HARDWOODS INC-DAILEY YARD DAILEY, WV26259 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
HOOVER TREATED WOOD PRODUCTS INC. BELINGTON, WV26250 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INC MILL 3 NORTON, WV26285 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtRandolph 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
Randolph County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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. | 3.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Norton compares by contaminant
Explore where Norton ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Norton's water comes from
Norton'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 1,632 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Norton
Norton is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Norton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTON HARDING JIMTOWN PSD | WV3304213 | 1,632 | GW |
How Norton compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Norton's score of 82/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Norton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Randolph
Frequently asked questions
Is Norton, WV tap water safe to drink?
Norton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Norton's water?
Lead was measured at 3.8 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Norton'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 Norton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Norton's water come from?
Norton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,632 residents.
What health violations has Norton's water system had?
Norton has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Norton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Norton 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 13 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 Norton's water compare to other cities?
Norton ranks #52 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 79% of state cities) and #7222 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Norton's small water system affect quality?
Norton's system serves approximately 1,632 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 13 violations on record.