Is Bow, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com Bow, WA — Water Quality Report
Bow's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,497 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 39 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Bow's water
Bow ranks #85 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
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 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bow, WA water safe to drink?
Bow's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,497 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: A- (86.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Nitrate, TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bow's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bow's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Skagit County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. 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 Skagit River, Samish River, Chuckanut Creek, Anderson Creek, Brannian Creek.
Where does Bow's water come from?
Bow's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,497 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Skagit River (river), Samish River (river), Chuckanut Creek (river), Anderson Creek (river), Brannian Creek (river).
What Bow residents can do
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.
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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bow
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bow, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 132,383 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HF SINCLAIR PUGET SOUND REFINING LLC ANACORTES, WA98221 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 130,237 | 9.9 mi |
TESORO REFINING & MARKETING CO LLC ANACORTES, WA98221 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,145 | 8.7 mi |
CHEMTRADE SOLUTIONS LLC ANACORTES, WA98221 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
DAKOTA CREEK INDUSTRIES INC. ANACORTES, WA98221 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
AIR LIQUIDE HYDROGEN PLANT ANACORTES, WA98221 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Skagit County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1990. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bow compares by contaminant
Explore where Bow ranks among all Washington 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 2,497 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bow
Bow is located near 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLANCHARD EDISON WATER ASSN. INC. | WA5307450 | 1,480 | GW |
| SAMISH FARMS WATER ASSN | WA5375645 | 1,017 | SWP |
How Bow compares
Full Washington rankings →Bow's score of 86.3/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Bow, WA
Wikipedia →Bow is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Skagit County, Washington. It is located near the towns of Bay View, Edison, Burlington, and Mount Vernon. Bow is included in the Mount Vernon-Anacortes, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area. Bow overlooks Samish Bay. The population of Bow is 203 in the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bow's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Skagit
Frequently asked questions
Is Bow, WA tap water safe to drink?
Bow's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #85 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Bow's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 39 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?
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 2 water systems serving approximately 2,497 residents.
What health violations has Bow's water system had?
Bow has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains 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 39 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 #85 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 71% of state cities) and #4773 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.