Is Bern, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Bern, KS — Water Quality Report
Bern's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 513 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bern's water
Bern ranks #50 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Bern 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, Bern may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bern, KS water safe to drink?
Bern's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 513 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bern
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bern's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3236). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1000). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bern's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bern's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Nemaha County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Turkey C Nr Seneca.
Where does Bern's water come from?
Bern's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 513 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Turkey C Nr Seneca (river).
What Bern residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bern'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.
Bern'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
Flood & disaster history
Nemaha County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 2.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bern compares by contaminant
Explore where Bern ranks among all Kansas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bern's water comes from
Bern'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 513 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bern
Bern is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bern
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEMAHA CO RWD 1 | KS2013105 | 350 | GW |
| BERN, CITY OF | KS2013104 | 163 | GW |
How Bern compares
Full Kansas rankings →Bern's score of 86.5/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Kansas rankings →About Bern, KS
Wikipedia →Bern is a city in Nemaha County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 161.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bern's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nemaha
Frequently asked questions
Is Bern, KS tap water safe to drink?
Bern's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #50 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.
What contaminants are in Bern's water?
Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Bern'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 Bern?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bern's water come from?
Bern's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 513 residents.
Is Bern's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bern 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 3 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 Bern's water compare to other cities?
Bern ranks #50 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 85% of state cities) and #4698 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.