Is Vernon, IN Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 26 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.4/100
waterverge.com Vernon, IN — Water Quality Report
Vernon's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 538 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 8.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 42 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved.
What to know about Vernon's water
Vernon ranks #332 out of 414 cities in Indiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Vernon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Vernon, IN water safe to drink?
Vernon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 538 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
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: C+ (69.4/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3238). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1109). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Vernon's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Vernon's water system has 42 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 26 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jennings County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 Brush Creek, Vernon Fork Muscatatuck River.
Where does Vernon's water come from?
Vernon's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 538 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Brush Creek (river), Vernon Fork Muscatatuck River (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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Vernon
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Vernon, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
METALDYNE SINTERFORGED PRODUCTS LLC NORTH VERNON, IN47265 | Copper | 2 | 3.6 mi |
DAVE O'MARA CONTRACTOR INC NORTH VERNON, IN47265 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
NORTH VERNON INDUSTRY CORP NORTH VERNON, IN47265 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
GT INDUSTRIES INC. NORTH VERNON, IN47265 | — | — | 4.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Jennings County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1968. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Vernon's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 8.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Vernon compares by contaminant
Explore where Vernon ranks among all Indiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Vernon's water comes from
Vernon's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 538 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Vernon
Vernon is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Vernon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VERNON WATER DEPARTMENT | IN5240009 | 538 | SWP |
How Vernon compares
Full Indiana rankings →Vernon's score of 69.4/100 is on par with the average of 70/100 among major Indiana cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Indiana rankings →About Vernon, IN
Wikipedia →Vernon is a town within Vernon Township and the county seat of Jennings County, Indiana, United States. With a population of just 236 in the 2020 census, it is the smallest county seat by population in the state of Indiana, lying just south of the much larger North Vernon. It sits on a peninsula as it is nearly surrounded by the Muscatatuck River. Vernon is the only Indiana town with an elected mayor and an elected town marshal. As of 2025, Bradley Bender is the mayor and Britt Burgmeier is the marshal.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Vernon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jennings
Frequently asked questions
Is Vernon, IN tap water safe to drink?
Vernon's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #332 out of 414 cities tested in Indiana.
What contaminants are in Vernon's water?
Lead was measured at 8.6 ppb (90th percentile). 42 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?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. 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 Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 538 residents.
What health violations has Vernon's water system had?
Vernon has 10 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. 26 violations remain unresolved.
How does Vernon's water compare to other cities?
Vernon ranks #332 out of 414 cities in Indiana (better than 20% of state cities) and #10928 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ 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 538 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 42 violations on record.