Tap Water Results

Is Norfolk, VA tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for City of Norfolk. 3 PFAS were detected below the limits.

3 public water systems serve parts of Norfolk. The largest, City of Norfolk, serves 234,220 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

City of Norfolk

234,220 people · Surface water · EPA ID VA3710100

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
One sample above limit
1.45 ppt4 pptOne sample above limit
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 0 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2023, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Full City of Norfolk results

Across Virginia, 12 of 164 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 3 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Virginia results.

Norfolk homes and lead pipes

67%
of homes built before 1980 (Virginia 44%, US 50%)
25%
built before 1950 (Virginia 11%)
54%
of households rent (Virginia 33%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Norfolk city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Norfolk

  • Naval Station Norfolk Water System
    48,826 people · Purchased surface water · Virginia · lists this city
    No PFAS above limits
  • Nsa Hampton Roads, Main Base Water System
    7,533 people · Purchased surface water · Virginia · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Portsmouth 8 mi
City of Portsmouth
City of PortsmouthNone above limits0 ppb
Hampton 9 mi
City of Newport News
City of Newport NewsNone above limits0 ppb
Virginia Beach 15 mi
City of Virginia Beach
City of Virginia BeachNone above limits0 ppb
Chesapeake 17 mi
City of Chesapeake – Northwest River System
City of Chesapeake – Northwest River SystemNone above limits1.12 ppb
Newport News 19 mi
City of Newport News
City of Newport NewsNone above limits0 ppb
Suffolk 27 mi
City of Suffolk
City of SuffolkNone above limits1 ppb
Norfolk ZIP codes (14)
  • 23502
  • 23503
  • 23504
  • 23505
  • 23507
  • 23508
  • 23509
  • 23510
  • 23511
  • 23513
  • 23517
  • 23518
  • 23523
  • 23551

Questions

Is Norfolk tap water safe to drink?

City of Norfolk has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Norfolk, VA?

3 public water systems serve parts of Norfolk. The largest is City of Norfolk (234,220 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Norfolk tap water have PFAS?

City of Norfolk had 3 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Norfolk homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 67% of Norfolk homes as built before 1980 (Virginia: 44%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. City of Norfolk's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.