Norwalk City Water Company

Sources of municipal water, including tap and bottled varieties, come from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through underground layers, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, while also potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals that occur naturally or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic compounds, which are byproducts of industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining activities

To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting certain contaminants in public water systems. FDA regulations set similar limits for bottled water, providing comparable public health protection. All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).

1. Where does Norwalk City water come from?
   Norwalk City supplies surface water to Norwalk, Ohio.
2. Does Norwalk City test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, Norwalk City must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact Norwalk City?
   Call 419-663-6700 or visit 38 Whittlesey Avenue, Norwalk, OH 44857, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does Norwalk City water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is Norwalk City water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.