Is Vernon, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.6/100
waterverge.com Vernon, FL — Water Quality Report
Vernon's drinking water received a grade of B (78.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 736 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Vernon's water
Vernon ranks #159 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Vernon 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, Vernon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Vernon, FL water safe to drink?
Vernon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 736 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Vernon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Vernon's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4828). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4680). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Vernon's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Vernon's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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 Holmes Creek.
Where does Vernon's water come from?
Vernon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 736 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Holmes Creek (river).
What Vernon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Vernon'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.
Vernon'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtWashington County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 20.6% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Washington County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2018. 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 Vernon compares by contaminant
Explore where Vernon ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Vernon's water comes from
Vernon'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 736 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Vernon
Vernon is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Vernon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VERNON, CITY OF | FL1670710 | 736 | GW |
How Vernon compares
Full Florida rankings →Vernon's score of 78.6/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Vernon, FL
Wikipedia →Vernon is a city in Washington County, Florida. The population was 732 at the 2020 census, up from 687 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Panama City—Panama City Beach, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Vernon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Vernon, FL tap water safe to drink?
Vernon's water quality earned a grade of B (78.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #159 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Vernon's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Vernon'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 Vernon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Vernon's water come from?
Vernon's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 736 residents.
Is Vernon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Vernon 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 16 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 Vernon's water compare to other cities?
Vernon ranks #159 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 59% of state cities) and #8617 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Vernon's small water system affect quality?
Vernon's system serves approximately 736 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 16 violations on record.