Is Bowman, GA 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 ↓
78.9/100
waterverge.com Bowman, GA — Water Quality Report
Bowman's drinking water received a grade of B (78.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,299 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bowman's water
Bowman ranks #194 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bowman 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, Bowman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bowman, GA water safe to drink?
Bowman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,299 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bowman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bowman's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.9/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate-Nitrite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3406). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bowman'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
Bowman's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Elbert County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Beaverdam Creek Above Elberton, Broad River Above Carlton.
Where does Bowman's water come from?
Bowman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,299 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Beaverdam Creek Above Elberton (river), Broad River Above Carlton (river).
What Bowman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bowman'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.
Bowman'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 Bowman
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bowman, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PHARMA TECH INDUSTRIES ROYSTON, GA30662 | Zinc compounds | 8 | 6.4 mi |
ROYSTON LLC ROYSTON PLANT ROYSTON, GA30662 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtElbert County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 19.4% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Elbert County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bowman'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. | 4.1 | 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. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bowman compares by contaminant
Explore where Bowman ranks among all Georgia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bowman's water comes from
Bowman'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 1,299 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bowman
Bowman is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bowman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOWMAN WATER SYSTEM | GA1050000 | 1,299 | GW |
How Bowman compares
Full Georgia rankings →Bowman's score of 78.9/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Georgia rankings →About Bowman, GA
Wikipedia →Bowman is a city in Elbert County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 872.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bowman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Elbert
Frequently asked questions
Is Bowman, GA tap water safe to drink?
Bowman's water quality earned a grade of B (78.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #194 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.
What contaminants are in Bowman's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Bowman'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 Bowman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bowman's water come from?
Bowman's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,299 residents.
Is Bowman's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bowman 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 12 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 Bowman's water compare to other cities?
Bowman ranks #194 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 49% of state cities) and #8472 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bowman's small water system affect quality?
Bowman's system serves approximately 1,299 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 12 violations on record.