Water Quality in Bowling Green, VA: 16 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 66/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Bowling Green's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA files for Bowling Green, VA document 16 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Bowling Green
Water quality varies across Bowling Green's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22428 | C | 65 | 8 | 7 | View report → |
| 22427 | C | 66 | 8 | 7 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Bowling Green.
Water Quality Overview
Bowling Green, Virginia receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 66 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Bowling Green have accumulated 16 EPA violations, including 14 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,233 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Bowling Green's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Bowling Green water systems is 0.0013 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 58% of homes built before 1986, Bowling Green has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Bowling Green
Bowling Green is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,233 people across 2 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Bowling Green. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Bowling Green
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Bowling Green Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Bowling Green's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 15 pCi/L | 14 | 2 | Yes |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 2 | 2 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Bowling Green:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | 8 |
| 2025 | 6 | 6 |
Violations have decreased from 8 in 2024 to 6 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Bowling Green. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-15 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-21 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-21 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-10 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-15.
Bowling Green vs. Nearby Virginia Cities
How Bowling Green's water quality compares to similar cities in Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green | C | 16 | 1 | 1,233 |
| Hustle | C | 0 | 1 | 1,233 |
| Milford | C | 0 | 1 | 1,233 |
| Newtown | C | 0 | 1 | 1,233 |
Common Questions About Bowling Green Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Bowling Green, Virginia:
Is Bowling Green water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Bowling Green's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Bowling Green tap water? Bowling Green's water receives a grade of C (66/100). There are 14 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Bowling Green? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Bowling Green vs. Virginia Average
Understanding how Bowling Green compares to the broader Virginia average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Bowling Green.
ZIP Codes in Bowling Green
Bowling Green spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 22427. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.