Is St. Bernice, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.8/100
waterverge.com St. Bernice, IN — Water Quality Report
St. Bernice's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using purchased ground 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 25 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about St. Bernice's water
St. Bernice ranks #101 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
St. Bernice purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, St. Bernice may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is St. Bernice, IN water safe to drink?
St. Bernice's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for St. Bernice
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into St. Bernice's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4363). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for St. Bernice's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
St. Bernice's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Vermillion County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Wabash River.
Where does St. Bernice's water come from?
St. Bernice's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wabash River (river).
What St. Bernice residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in St. 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.
St. 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 St. Bernice
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near St. Bernice, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 110,176 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ELANCO CLINTON LABORATORIES CLINTON, IN47842 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 110,176 | 6.6 mi |
PERMABASE BUILDING PRODUCTS - CLINTON CLINTON, IN47842 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
SUPERIOR FOREST PRODUCTS LLC MONTEZUMA, IN47862 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Vermillion County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 St. Bernice compares by contaminant
Explore where St. Bernice ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where St. Bernice's water comes from
St. Bernice purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of St. Bernice's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 750 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near St. Bernice
St. Bernice is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving St. Bernice
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ST. BERNICE WATER CORP. | IN5283010 | 750 | GWP |
How St. Bernice compares
Full Indiana rankings →St. Bernice's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About St. Bernice, IN
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to St. Bernice's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Vermillion
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Bernice, IN tap water safe to drink?
St. Bernice's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #101 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in St. Bernice's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is St. 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 St. Bernice?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does St. Bernice's water come from?
St. Bernice's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has St. Bernice's water system had?
St. Bernice has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is St. Bernice's groundwater at risk of contamination?
St. Bernice 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 25 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 St. Bernice's water compare to other cities?
St. Bernice ranks #101 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 76% of state cities) and #3845 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does St. Bernice's small water system affect quality?
St. Bernice's system serves approximately 750 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 25 violations on record.