Is Norwich, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Norwich, VT — Water Quality Report
Norwich's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 956 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 149 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Norwich's water
Norwich ranks #30 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Norwich 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, Norwich may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Norwich, VT water safe to drink?
Norwich's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 956 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Norwich
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Norwich's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4720). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Benzene, Toluene, Tetrachloroethylene.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Norwich's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Norwich's water system has 149 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Windsor County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Ompompanoosuc River, White River, Connecticut River, Ottauquechee River.
Where does Norwich's water come from?
Norwich's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 956 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ompompanoosuc River (river), White River (river), Connecticut River (river), Ottauquechee River (river).
What Norwich residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Norwich'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.
Norwich'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 Norwich
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Norwich, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OLDCASTLE APG NORTHEAST INC. WEST LEBANON, NH03784 | Lead compounds | 0 | 5.8 mi |
HYPERTHERM INC HANOVER, NH03755 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
HYPERTHERM INC LEBANON, NH03766 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
TIMKEN AEROSPACE( MPB CORP DBA) LEBANON LEBANON, NH03766 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
FUJIFILM DIMATIX INC. LEBANON, NH03766 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Norwich
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ELIZABETH MINE7.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWindsor 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
Windsor County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Norwich compares by contaminant
Explore where Norwich ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Norwich's water comes from
Norwich'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 956 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Norwich
Norwich is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Norwich
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORWICH FIRE DISTRICT 1 | VT0005326 | 870 | GW |
| STARLAKE VILLAGE LEASEHOLDERS ASSOC | VT0020308 | 50 | GW |
| NORWICH MEADOWS | VT0005475 | 36 | GW |
How Norwich compares
Full Vermont rankings →Norwich's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Norwich, VT
Wikipedia →Norwich is a town in Windsor County, Vermont, United States. The population was 3,612 at the 2020 census. Home to some of the state of Vermont's wealthiest residents, the municipality is a commuter town for nearby Hanover, New Hampshire across the Connecticut River. The town is part of the Dresden School District, the first interstate school district in the United States, signed into law by President John F. Kennedy. The town contains the Norwich Mid-Century Modern Historic District.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Norwich's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Windsor
Frequently asked questions
Is Norwich, VT tap water safe to drink?
Norwich's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #30 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Norwich's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 149 violations are on record.
How is Norwich'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 Norwich?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Norwich's water come from?
Norwich's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 956 residents.
What health violations has Norwich's water system had?
Norwich has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Norwich's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Norwich 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 149 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 Norwich's water compare to other cities?
Norwich ranks #30 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 71% of state cities) and #5185 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.