Is Bernie, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.3/100
waterverge.com Bernie, MO — Water Quality Report
Bernie's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,859 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.4 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 13 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bernie's water
Bernie ranks #285 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bernie 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Bernie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bernie, MO water safe to drink?
Bernie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,859 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bernie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bernie's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.3/100).
Contaminants: Fluoride.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3374). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bernie's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Bernie's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Stoddard County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Bernie's water come from?
Bernie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,859 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Bernie residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bernie'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.
Bernie'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 Bernie
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bernie, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON CHICKEN INC. DEXTER, MO63841 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
FAURECIA CLEAN MOBILITY DEXTER, MO63841 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bernie
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BEE CEE MANUFACTURING CO4.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtStoddard 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
Stoddard County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1993. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bernie'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. | 6.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bernie compares by contaminant
Explore where Bernie ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bernie's water comes from
Bernie'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 1,859 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Bernie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BERNIE PWS | MO4010066 | 1,859 | GW |
How Bernie compares
Full Missouri rankings →Bernie's score of 82.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Bernie, MO
Wikipedia →Bernie is a city in southern Stoddard County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,859 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bernie's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stoddard
Frequently asked questions
Is Bernie, MO tap water safe to drink?
Bernie's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #285 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Bernie's water?
Lead was measured at 6.4 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Bernie'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 Bernie?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bernie's water come from?
Bernie's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,859 residents.
Is Bernie's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bernie 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 13 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 Bernie's water compare to other cities?
Bernie ranks #285 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 44% of state cities) and #7052 out of 15744 cities nationally (55th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bernie's small water system affect quality?
Bernie's system serves approximately 1,859 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 13 violations on record.