Is Norway, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.9/100
waterverge.com Norway, IA — Water Quality Report
Norway's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,466 residents using gup.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 20 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Norway's water
Norway ranks #312 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
As a small community water system, Norway may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Norway, IA water safe to drink?
Norway's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,466 residents using gup.
Recent water quality updates for Norway
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Norway's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Norway's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Norway's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Tama County has experienced 10 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 Iowa River At County Highway E49 Near Tama, Richland Creek Near Haven.
Where does Norway's water come from?
Norway's drinking water comes from gup, supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,466 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Iowa River At County Highway E49 Near Tama (river), Richland Creek Near Haven (river).
What Norway residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Norway'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.
Norway'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 Norway
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Norway, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 21,000 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WHIRLPOOL CORP AMANA, IA52203 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 21,000 | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tama County has experienced 10 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Norway compares by contaminant
Explore where Norway ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Norway's water comes from
Norway's water comes from groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, a designation that requires the same treatment rigor as surface water systems.
This source type is vulnerable to both surface contamination pathways and naturally occurring underground contaminants.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 2,466 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Norway
Norway is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Norway
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POWESHIEK WATER ASSOCIATION (CR) | IA5715702 | 2,000 | GUP |
| NORWAY CITY WATER SUPPLY | IA0656081 | 466 | GUP |
How Norway compares
Full Iowa rankings →Norway's score of 86.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Norway, IA
Wikipedia →Tama is a city in Tama County, Iowa, United States. The population was 3,130 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Norway's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Norway, IA tap water safe to drink?
Norway's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #312 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Norway's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Norway'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 Norway?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Norway's water come from?
Norway's water is sourced from GUP. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,466 residents.
What health violations has Norway's water system had?
Norway has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Norway's water compare to other cities?
Norway ranks #312 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 28% of state cities) and #4385 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.