Water Quality in North Vernon, IN: 13 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
North Vernon's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for North Vernon, IN holds 13 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in North Vernon
Water quality varies across North Vernon's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47265 | C | 68 | 13 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving North Vernon.
Water Quality Overview
North Vernon, Indiana receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving North Vernon have accumulated 13 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 21,120 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. North Vernon's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across North Vernon water systems is 0.0019 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 58% of homes built before 1986, North Vernon has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
North Vernon is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving North Vernon
North Vernon is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 21,120 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving North Vernon. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in North Vernon
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in North Vernon Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across North Vernon's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving North Vernon:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving North Vernon. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-14 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-23 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-05-14 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-30.
North Vernon vs. Nearby Indiana Cities
How North Vernon's water quality compares to similar cities in Indiana:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Vernon | C | 13 | 5 | 21,120 |
| Cortland | D | 0 | 1 | 20,725 |
| Chandler | B | 0 | 1 | 20,120 |
| Hatfield | D | 0 | 1 | 22,215 |
Common Questions About North Vernon Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in North Vernon, Indiana:
Is North Vernon water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. North Vernon's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink North Vernon tap water? North Vernon's water receives a grade of C (68/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for North Vernon? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
North Vernon vs. Indiana Average
Understanding how North Vernon compares to the broader Indiana average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within North Vernon.
ZIP Codes in North Vernon
North Vernon spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 47265. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.