Is East Bernard, TX 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 ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com East Bernard, TX — Water Quality Report
East Bernard's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Bernard's water
East Bernard ranks #222 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
East Bernard 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, East Bernard may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Bernard, TX water safe to drink?
East Bernard's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Bernard
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Bernard's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3540). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Bernard's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Bernard's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wharton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 West Bernard Ck At Us 59 Nr Hungerford.
Where does East Bernard's water come from?
East Bernard's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West Bernard Ck At Us 59 Nr Hungerford (river).
What East Bernard residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Bernard'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.
East Bernard'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 East Bernard
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Bernard, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 23 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LAMBERTI USA INC HUNGERFORD, TX77448 | Certain glycol ethers | 23 | 6.8 mi |
HUDSON PRODUCTS CORP BEASLEY, TX77417 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWharton 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
Wharton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Bernard compares by contaminant
Explore where East Bernard ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Bernard's water comes from
East Bernard'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 2,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Bernard
East Bernard is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Bernard
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHARTON COUNTY WCID 2 | TX2410001 | 2,200 | GW |
How East Bernard compares
Full Texas rankings →East Bernard's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About East Bernard, TX
Wikipedia →East Bernard is a city in Wharton County, Texas, United States. The population was 2,218 at the 2020 census. U.S. Highway 90 Alternate (US 90A) and Texas State Highway 60 (SH 60) intersect within the city limits. East Bernard has its own school district, two auto dealerships and a number of other businesses. The San Bernard River flows past the city's eastern side.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Bernard's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wharton
Frequently asked questions
Is East Bernard, TX tap water safe to drink?
East Bernard's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #222 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in East Bernard's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is East Bernard'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 East Bernard?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Bernard's water come from?
East Bernard's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 residents.
Is East Bernard's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Bernard 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 8 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 East Bernard's water compare to other cities?
East Bernard ranks #222 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 79% of state cities) and #5781 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Bernard's small water system affect quality?
East Bernard's system serves approximately 2,200 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 8 violations on record.