Is Bowling Greeen, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
81.3/100
waterverge.com Bowling Greeen, FL — Water Quality Report
Bowling Greeen's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,038 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bowling Greeen's water
Bowling Greeen ranks #130 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Bowling Greeen 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, Bowling Greeen 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 Bowling Greeen, FL water safe to drink?
Bowling Greeen's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,038 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bowling Greeen
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bowling Greeen's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bowling Greeen's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bowling Greeen's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hardee County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Peace River, Payne Creek, Lt Charlie Cr Bl Parker Branch Nr Bowling Green, Little Charlie Creek, Charlie Creek.
Where does Bowling Greeen's water come from?
Bowling Greeen's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,038 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Peace River (river), Payne Creek (river), Lt Charlie Cr Bl Parker Branch Nr Bowling Green (river), Little Charlie Creek (river), Charlie Creek (river).
What Bowling Greeen residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bowling Greeen'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.
Bowling Greeen'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
D3 — extreme droughtHardee County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Hardee County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bowling Greeen'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 3.73 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.725 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bowling Greeen compares by contaminant
Explore where Bowling Greeen ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bowling Greeen's water comes from
Bowling Greeen'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,038 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bowling Greeen
Bowling Greeen is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bowling Greeen
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAUCHULA HILLS WTP (HARDEE COUNTY) | FL6254799 | 3,038 | GW |
How Bowling Greeen compares
Full Florida rankings →Bowling Greeen's score of 81.3/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Bowling Greeen, FL
Wikipedia →Wauchula is a city and the county seat of Hardee County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 4,900.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bowling Greeen's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hardee
Frequently asked questions
Is Bowling Greeen, FL tap water safe to drink?
Bowling Greeen's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #130 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Bowling Greeen's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Bowling Greeen'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 Bowling Greeen?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bowling Greeen's water come from?
Bowling Greeen's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,038 residents.
Is Bowling Greeen's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bowling Greeen 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 9 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 Bowling Greeen's water compare to other cities?
Bowling Greeen ranks #130 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 66% of state cities) and #7509 out of 15744 cities nationally (52th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bowling Greeen's small water system affect quality?
Bowling Greeen's system serves approximately 3,038 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 9 violations on record.