F0/100
Bernice Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 8,310 residents · Louisiana
What's In Bernice's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
4
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to issue ongoing public notification
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 1, 2021 – August 16, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BERNICE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
1,863
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1111001
DARBONNE WS SOUTH
Population Served
3,261
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1111023
DARBONNE WS NORTH
Population Served
3,186
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
LA1111024
Frequently Asked Questions About Bernice Water
Is Bernice tap water safe to drink?
Bernice, Louisiana tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 139 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Bernice's water?
1 contaminants were tested in Bernice's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Bernice have any water quality violations?
Yes, Bernice has 139 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, Other, TT. 89 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Bernice?
Bernice water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Bernice's tap water come from?
Bernice's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by BERNICE WATER SYSTEM and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 8,310 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Bernice's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Bernice's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Bernice's water compare to other cities in Louisiana?
Bernice's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Louisiana state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Bernice's water quality?
If you have concerns about Bernice's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BERNICE WATER SYSTEM) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.