Norfolk's water and wastewater services date back to the late 1800's.  Before 1873, Norfolk residents obtained water from public springs, cisterns, and wells.  Cisterns are brick reservoirs submerged underground with pipes running from gutters to collect rainwater.

The original water system consisted of the three ponds at Moores Bridges, now called Lake Wright, Lake Lawson, and Lake Taylor, and a pumping station with 1 million gallons a day capacity (compared to 108 MGD capacity today).  The pumps were powered by coal-fired steam engines and the plant had 2 80-foot tall chimneys.

This is a picture of the original pumping station which was built in 1873.  The building is still there today with a few changes.  Notice in the picture that there used to be a fountain in front of the building.  As the story goes, people used to picnic at the fountain after church. 

Next

We are here to serve you!

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Water or Sewer Main Breaks (757) 823-1000

Water Turn On/Turn Off (757) 664-6700

Miss Utility (Call Before You Dig)

1-800-552-7001