Is Bernville, PA 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 ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Bernville, PA — Water Quality Report
Bernville's drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,010 residents using groundwater.
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 82 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bernville's water
Bernville ranks #6 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Bernville 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, Bernville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bernville, PA water safe to drink?
Bernville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,010 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bernville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bernville's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4030). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bernville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bernville's water system has 82 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Berks County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Schuylkill River At Berne, Tulpehocken Creek Near Bernville, Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville, Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading, Tulpehocken Creek Near Reading.
Where does Bernville's water come from?
Bernville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,010 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Schuylkill River At Berne (river), Tulpehocken Creek Near Bernville (river), Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville (lake), Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading (river), Tulpehocken Creek Near Reading (river).
What Bernville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bernville'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.
Bernville'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 Bernville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bernville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 285 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CAMBRIDGE-LEE INDUSTRIES READING, PA19605 | Copper | 235 | 9.0 mi |
MATERION BRUSH INC SHOEMAKERSVILLE, PA19555 | Copper compounds | 43 | 8.7 mi |
HOFMANN INDUSTRIES INC SINKING SPRING, PA19608 | Zinc compounds | 6 | 9.4 mi |
WER CORP DBA ALUMINUM ALLOYS SINKING SPRING, PA19608 | Lead | 0 | 8.4 mi |
MATERION CORP - READING PLANT 2 LEESPORT, PA19533 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bernville
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.
- RYELAND ROAD ARSENIC SITE6.5 mi
- BROWN S BATTERY BREAKING8.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBerks County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Berks County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bernville compares by contaminant
Explore where Bernville ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bernville's water comes from
Bernville'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 1,010 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bernville
Bernville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bernville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BERNVILLE BOROUGH | PA3060085 | 1,010 | GW |
How Bernville compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Bernville's score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Bernville, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bernville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berks
Frequently asked questions
Is Bernville, PA tap water safe to drink?
Bernville's water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #6 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Bernville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 82 violations are on record.
How is Bernville'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 Bernville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bernville's water come from?
Bernville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,010 residents.
What health violations has Bernville's water system had?
Bernville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bernville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bernville 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 82 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 Bernville's water compare to other cities?
Bernville ranks #6 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 99% of state cities) and #2310 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bernville's small water system affect quality?
Bernville's system serves approximately 1,010 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 82 violations on record.