Is Bowling Green, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
61.3/100
waterverge.com Bowling Green, FL — Water Quality Report
Bowling Green's drinking water received a grade of C (61.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,840 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 54 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bowling Green's water
Bowling Green ranks #255 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bowling Green 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.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bowling Green, FL water safe to drink?
Bowling Green's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,840 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bowling Green
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bowling Green's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, E. COLI.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bowling Green'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 Green's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 25 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, Bowlegs Creek, Whidden Creek, Payne Creek, Lt Charlie Cr Bl Parker Branch Nr Bowling Green.
Where does Bowling Green's water come from?
Bowling Green's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,840 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), Bowlegs Creek (river), Whidden Creek (river), Payne Creek (river), Lt Charlie Cr Bl Parker Branch Nr Bowling Green (river).
What Bowling Green residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bowling Green'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 Green'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 Bowling Green
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bowling Green, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SECI MIDULLA GENERATING STATION BOWLING GREEN, FL33834 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
PROFILE PRODUCTS - FLORIKAN BOWLING GREEN, FL33834 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN APG BOWLING GREEN, FL33834 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
IPS VANDOLAH POWER WAUCHULA, FL33873 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Green'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. | 0.2 | 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. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bowling Green compares by contaminant
Explore where Bowling Green ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bowling Green's water comes from
Bowling Green'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 4,840 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bowling Green
Bowling Green 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 Green
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOWLING GREEN, CITY OF | FL6252022 | 2,940 | GW |
| HARDEE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE | FL6254754 | 1,900 | GW |
How Bowling Green compares
Full Florida rankings →Bowling Green's score of 61.3/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Bowling Green, FL
Wikipedia →Bowling Green is a city in Hardee County, Florida, United States. The population was 2,405 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bowling Green's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hardee
Frequently asked questions
Is Bowling Green, FL tap water safe to drink?
Bowling Green's water quality earned a grade of C (61.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #255 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Bowling Green's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.
How is Bowling Green'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 Green?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bowling Green's water come from?
Bowling Green's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,840 residents.
What health violations has Bowling Green's water system had?
Bowling Green has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bowling Green's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bowling Green 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 54 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 Green's water compare to other cities?
Bowling Green ranks #255 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 34% of state cities) and #11996 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.