Vernonia, OR: 1 Health Violation — 64/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The systems supplying Vernonia vary in performance across OR benchmarks — most meet minimum federal standards, but documented violations in select areas are on record.
How Vernonia Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Vernonia Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 22 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 51% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.42 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Vernonia
With 2 utilities splitting service in Vernonia, OR, water accountability is distributed across 2 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Vernonia, Oregon, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 3,730 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Vernonia: C (64/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Vernonia water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 10 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 8 | 1 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 6 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97064 | C | 22 | 1 | City of Vernonia, |
All ZIP Codes in Vernonia
- 97064 [C] — 22 violations ⚠
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
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Vernonia
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Vernonia
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Vernonia's Housing Stock?
With 51% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Housing age is one of the most reliable proxies for plumbing-era lead risk, because two federal milestones — the widespread use of lead pipes before 1970 and the continued use of lead solder until 1986 — define the highest-risk tiers of the residential housing stock. With a median build year of 1985, Vernonia falls squarely within the older range — meaning a large fraction of the housing was built under the plumbing standards of those earlier eras. The distribution above captures where that risk concentrates, and why older neighborhoods warrant particular attention from residents concerned about tap water quality.
Over half of homes in Vernonia were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Vernonia: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The household financial picture for Vernonia homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Vernonia are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,350–$3,900 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 11% below the Oregon average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Vernonia
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 51% of Vernonia stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Vernonia
How does Vernonia's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 324 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Vernonia has a moderate flood history with 324 FEMA claims averaging $49,775 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,500</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Vernonia
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Stage 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Vernonia's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 51% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Vernonia, OR