Is Vernonia, OR Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Vernonia, OR — Water Quality Report
Vernonia's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,145 residents using surface 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 330 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Vernonia's water
Vernonia ranks #142 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Vernonia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 29 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Vernonia, OR water safe to drink?
Vernonia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,145 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Vernonia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Vernonia's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4055). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Vernonia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Vernonia's water system has 330 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 29 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbia County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Nehalem River.
Where does Vernonia's water come from?
Vernonia's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,145 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Nehalem River (river).
What Vernonia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Vernonia'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.
Vernonia'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
Flood & disaster history
Columbia County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Vernonia compares by contaminant
Explore where Vernonia ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Vernonia's water comes from
Vernonia'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 2,145 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Vernonia
Vernonia is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Vernonia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VERNONIA, CITY OF | OR4100922 | 2,100 | SW |
| BERNDT CREEK WATER CORP | OR4105737 | 45 | SW |
How Vernonia compares
Full Oregon rankings →Vernonia's score of 49/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Vernonia, OR
Wikipedia →Vernonia is a city in Columbia County, Oregon, United States. It is located on the Nehalem River, in a valley on the eastern side of the Northern Oregon Coast Range that is the heart of one of the most important timber-producing areas of the state. Logging has played a large role in the history of the city. The population was 2,374 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Vernonia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Vernonia, OR tap water safe to drink?
Vernonia's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #142 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Vernonia's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 330 violations are on record.
How is Vernonia'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 Vernonia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Vernonia's water come from?
Vernonia's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,145 residents.
What health violations has Vernonia's water system had?
Vernonia has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
How does Vernonia's water compare to other cities?
Vernonia ranks #142 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 33% of state cities) and #13347 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.