Is Norwalk, WI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.3/100
Norwalk, WI — Water Quality Report
Norwalk's drinking water received a grade of A (94.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 653 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 8 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Norwalk's water
Norwalk ranks #10 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Norwalk 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, Norwalk may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Norwalk, WI water safe to drink?
Norwalk's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 653 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Norwalk
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Norwalk's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4459). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4402). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Norwalk's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Norwalk's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Monroe County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Silver Creek, Kickapoo R @ St Hwy 131.
Where does Norwalk's water come from?
Norwalk's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 653 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Silver Creek (river), Kickapoo R @ St Hwy 131 (river).
What Norwalk residents can do
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.
Norwalk'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
Flood & disaster history
Monroe County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Norwalk compares by contaminant
Explore where Norwalk ranks among all Wisconsin cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Norwalk's water comes from
Norwalk'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 653 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Norwalk
Norwalk is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Norwalk
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORWALK WATERWORKS | WI6420296 | 653 | GW |
How Norwalk compares
Full Wisconsin rankings →Norwalk's score of 94.3/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major Wisconsin cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Wisconsin rankings →About Norwalk, WI
Wikipedia →Norwalk is a village in Monroe County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 611 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Norwalk's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Monroe
Frequently asked questions
Is Norwalk, WI tap water safe to drink?
Norwalk's water quality earned a grade of A (94.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 446 cities tested in Wisconsin.
What contaminants are in Norwalk's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Norwalk'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 Norwalk?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Norwalk's water come from?
Norwalk's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 653 residents.
What health violations has Norwalk's water system had?
Norwalk has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Norwalk's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Norwalk 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 8 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 Norwalk's water compare to other cities?
Norwalk ranks #10 out of 446 cities in Wisconsin (better than 98% of state cities) and #555 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Norwalk's small water system affect quality?
Norwalk's system serves approximately 653 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 8 violations on record.