Norfolk spotlighting critical drinking water infrastructure during ‘Drinking Water Week’

NORFOLK, Neb. (KTIV) - During Drinking Water Week, which is May 3 through May 9, the City of Norfolk, Nebraska, is shining a spotlight on critical drinking water infrastructure and highlighting the dedicated workers and community investment required to provide safe and reliable water service.

Drinking water underpins the health and economic vitality of communities, and Norfolk officials say keeping water systems reliable is a round-the-clock commitment and significant expense.

Water utilities must renew aging infrastructure, protect source water, prepare for climate and security risks – all while continuing to deliver high-quality, reliable water every day.

According to a new report by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), U.S. drinking water infrastructure and other critical needs will require $2.1-$2.4 trillion over the next 25 years, testing the limits of water affordability in many places.

Work is already happening to maintain and strengthen the system that serves roughly 26,000 people across Norfolk. Norfolk has:

• Installed an additional 2-million-gallon tank to increase water storage
• Installing an additional well to increase the water production of the west well field
• Made improvements to the West Treatment Plant to increase production to 14.5 million gallons, increasing overall system production to 16 million gallons per day

“Norfolk understands that improvements to the water system are critical for public health, fire protection, and the success of our local businesses. We know the investments we make today will allow future generations to thrive, just as we benefited from the water investments made by our parents and grandparents,” stated Water Director Chad Roberts.

The public is invited to tour the West Water Treatment Plant at 300 S. 49th Street on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For additional information, contact the Water Division at 844-2210.

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