Is Bernice, OK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
63.4/100
waterverge.com Bernice, OK — Water Quality Report
Bernice's drinking water received a grade of C (63.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 504 residents using purchased surface water.
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 122 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bernice's water
Bernice ranks #142 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma 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, Bernice may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bernice, OK water safe to drink?
Bernice's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 504 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bernice
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bernice's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.4/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1754). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3219). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bernice'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
Bernice's water system has 122 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Delaware County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Horse Creek At Afton, Horse Creek At 540 Rd Near Afton, Lake O' The Cherokees At Langley.
Where does Bernice's water come from?
Bernice's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 504 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Horse Creek At Afton (river), Horse Creek At 540 Rd Near Afton (river), Lake O' The Cherokees At Langley (lake).
What Bernice residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bernice'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.
Bernice'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 Bernice
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bernice, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
APAC-CENTRAL INC. VINITA ASPHALT VINITA, OK74301 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
SIMMONS FEED MILL FAIRLAND, OK74343 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtDelaware County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Delaware County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bernice'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.21 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.210 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bernice compares by contaminant
Explore where Bernice ranks among all Oklahoma cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bernice's water comes from
Bernice'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 504 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bernice
Bernice is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bernice
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BERNICE PWA | OK2002166 | 504 | SWP |
How Bernice compares
Full Oklahoma rankings →Bernice's score of 63.4/100 is above the average of 45/100 among major Oklahoma cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oklahoma rankings →About Bernice, OK
Wikipedia →Bernice is a town in Delaware County, Oklahoma, United States. As of the 2020 census, Bernice had a population of 422. Located on Grand Lake o' the Cherokees, the town is now primarily a vacation and retirement area. It claims to be the "Crappie Fishing Capital of the World."
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bernice's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Delaware
Frequently asked questions
Is Bernice, OK tap water safe to drink?
Bernice's water quality earned a grade of C (63.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #142 out of 358 cities tested in Oklahoma.
What contaminants are in Bernice's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 122 violations are on record.
How is Bernice'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 Bernice?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bernice's water come from?
Bernice's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 504 residents.
What health violations has Bernice's water system had?
Bernice has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bernice's water compare to other cities?
Bernice ranks #142 out of 358 cities in Oklahoma (better than 60% of state cities) and #11767 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bernice's small water system affect quality?
Bernice's system serves approximately 504 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 122 violations on record.