Is Bowman, SC Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.5/100
waterverge.com Bowman, SC — Water Quality Report
Bowman's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,274 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bowman's water
Bowman ranks #93 out of 196 cities in South Carolina for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
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, SC water safe to drink?
Bowman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,274 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
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: A- (85.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4858). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4829). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bowman's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bowman's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orangeburg County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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 Indian Field Swamp, Cow Castle Creek.
Where does Bowman's water come from?
Bowman's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,274 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Indian Field Swamp (river), Cow Castle Creek (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.
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.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
QUIKRETE - BOWMAN SC PLANT BOWMAN, SC29018 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES ORANGEBURG, SC29115 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtOrangeburg 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
Orangeburg County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2017. 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bowman compares by contaminant
Explore where Bowman ranks among all South Carolina cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bowman's water comes from
Bowman's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,274 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bowman
Bowman is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bowman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOWMAN TOWN OF (SC3810004) | SC3810004 | 1,274 | SWP |
How Bowman compares
Full South Carolina rankings →Bowman's score of 85.5/100 is above the average of 77/100 among major South Carolina cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View South Carolina rankings →About Bowman, SC
Wikipedia →Bowman is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. As of the 2020 census, Bowman had a population of 788.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bowman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orangeburg
Frequently asked questions
Is Bowman, SC tap water safe to drink?
Bowman's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #93 out of 196 cities tested in South Carolina.
What contaminants are in Bowman's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 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 Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,274 residents.
What health violations has Bowman's water system had?
Bowman has 5 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bowman's water compare to other cities?
Bowman ranks #93 out of 196 cities in South Carolina (better than 53% of state cities) and #5304 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- 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 1,274 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.