Is Bowling Green, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Bowling Green, VA — Water Quality Report
Bowling Green's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,233 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 50 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bowling Green's water
Bowling Green ranks #203 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
As a small community water system, Bowling Green may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 20 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, VA water safe to drink?
Bowling Green's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,233 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: D+ (50/100).
3 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3359). 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.
Violation history
Bowling Green's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Caroline County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Mattaponi River, Polecat Creek.
Where does Bowling Green's water come from?
Bowling Green's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,233 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mattaponi River (river), Polecat Creek (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.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,751 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
US ARMY FORT AP HILL BOWLING GREEN, VA22427 | Copper | 2,439 | 8.5 mi |
HOOVER TREATED WOOD PRODUCTS INC MILFORD, VA22514 | Arsenic compounds | 312 | 3.2 mi |
JCI JONES CHEMICALS INC. MILFORD, VA22514 | — | — | 3.2 mi |
OLDCASTLE APG MID-ATLANTIC MILFORD VA MILFORD, VA22514 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
LADYSMITH COMBUSTION TURBINE STATION WOODFORD, VA22580 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCaroline 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
Caroline County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bowling Green compares by contaminant
Explore where Bowling Green ranks among all Virginia 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 1,233 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bowling Green
Bowling Green is located near 2 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, TOWN OF | VA6033550 | 1,233 | GW |
How Bowling Green compares
Full Virginia rankings →Bowling Green's score of 50/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Bowling Green, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bowling Green's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caroline
Frequently asked questions
Is Bowling Green, VA tap water safe to drink?
Bowling Green's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #203 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Bowling Green's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 50 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 1 water system serving approximately 1,233 residents.
What health violations has Bowling Green's water system had?
Bowling Green has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 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 50 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 #203 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 12% of state cities) and #13154 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bowling Green's small water system affect quality?
Bowling Green's system serves approximately 1,233 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 50 violations on record.