Is Bow, CT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
47.4/100
waterverge.com Bow, CT — Water Quality Report
Bow's drinking water received a grade of D (47.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 808 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 44.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 112 violations on record, including 53 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bow's water
Bow ranks #104 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bow relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Bow may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bow, CT water safe to drink?
Bow's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 808 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bow
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bow's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47.4/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3360). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4026). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bow's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Bow's water system has 112 total violations on record, including 53 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Merrimack County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Suncook River, Piscataquog River Bl Everett Dam, Nr E Weare, South Branch Piscataquog River, Piscataquog River.
Where does Bow's water come from?
Bow's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 808 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Suncook River (river), Piscataquog River Bl Everett Dam, Nr E Weare (river), South Branch Piscataquog River (river), Piscataquog River (river).
What Bow residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bow's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Bow'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
D2 — severe droughtMerrimack County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Merrimack County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bow'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. | 44.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bow compares by contaminant
Explore where Bow ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bow's water comes from
Bow's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 808 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Bow
Bow is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bow
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABENAKI WATER/WHITE ROCK WATER | NH0262020 | 238 | GW |
| BOW MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM | NH0261010 | 150 | GW |
| WHITE ROCK SENIOR LIVING | NH0262050 | 110 | GW |
| STONE SLED FARM | NH0262060 | 105 | GW |
| EVERGREEN DRIVE WATER | NH0262010 | 80 | GW |
| COTTAGES AT WINDCHIMES | NH0262040 | 75 | GW |
| BELA BROOK WATER | NH0262030 | 50 | GW |
How Bow compares
Full Connecticut rankings →Bow's score of 47.4/100 is on par with the average of 47/100 among major Connecticut cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Connecticut rankings →About Bow, CT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Merrimack
Frequently asked questions
Is Bow, CT tap water safe to drink?
Bow's water quality earned a grade of D (47.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #104 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.
What contaminants are in Bow's water?
Lead was measured at 44.0 ppb (90th percentile). 112 violations are on record.
How is Bow'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 Bow?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bow's water come from?
Bow's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 808 residents.
What health violations has Bow's water system had?
Bow has 53 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bow's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bow uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 112 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Bow's water compare to other cities?
Bow ranks #104 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 34% of state cities) and #13614 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.