Is Norwood, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.8/100
waterverge.com Norwood, CO — Water Quality Report
Norwood's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,700 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 95 violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Norwood's water
Norwood ranks #112 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Norwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Norwood, CO water safe to drink?
Norwood's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (72.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,700 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Norwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Norwood's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.8/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Chloramine.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3224). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-719). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Norwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Norwood's water system has 95 total violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
San Miguel County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Norwood's water come from?
Norwood's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,700 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Norwood 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.
Norwood'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
D3 — extreme droughtSan Miguel County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
San Miguel County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Norwood's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Norwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Norwood ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Norwood's water comes from
Norwood'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 1,700 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Norwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORWOOD WATER COMMISSION | CO0157500 | 1,700 | SW |
How Norwood compares
Full Colorado rankings →Norwood's score of 72.8/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →About Norwood, CO
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Norwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across San Miguel
Frequently asked questions
Is Norwood, CO tap water safe to drink?
Norwood's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #112 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Norwood's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 95 violations are on record.
How is Norwood'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 Norwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Norwood's water come from?
Norwood's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,700 residents.
What health violations has Norwood's water system had?
Norwood has 44 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Norwood's water compare to other cities?
Norwood ranks #112 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 54% of state cities) and #10236 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Norwood's small water system affect quality?
Norwood's system serves approximately 1,700 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 95 violations on record.