Vernon, TX: 40 Health Violations — 61/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Vernon water quality is uneven — some service areas show clean compliance; others carry documented violations in TX EPA records.
How Vernon Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Vernon Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 52 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0073 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.34 — above typical levels.
Vernon's Water Providers
Federal drinking water records identify 2 systems in Vernon, TX. The leading 2 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Vernon, Texas, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 12,239 people.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 40 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Vernon: C (61/100)
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
Vernon water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0073 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 2 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 57 | 2 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 76384 | C | 26 | 20 | City of Vernon |
| 76385 | C | 26 | 20 | City of Vernon |
All ZIP Codes in Vernon
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.
Vernon Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Vernon's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Vernon
Is remediation financially manageable for Vernon homeowners? At a moderate equity share, generally yes — with deliberate budgeting ahead of time.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Vernon. The estimated $700–$2,400 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 55% below the Texas average.
Vernon: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Lead risk in Vernon appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Vernon: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
FEMA data shows 50% of Vernon's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 9 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Vernon has a moderate flood history with 9 FEMA claims averaging $15,768 per payout. 50% 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>$1,200</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 Vernon
- 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 Lead can reduce the most common contaminant found in Vernon's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Vernon, TX