Where: All City of Vernonia Water Customers

Why: A water shortage emergency condition exists in the City of Vernonia due to a decreased streamflow in Rock Creek to 12cfs (cubic feet per second) or less, as verified by water flow gauges on Rock Creek. The Vernonia City Council acknowledges that during such times of low streamflow, the ordinary demands and requirements of water consumers cannot be satisfied without depleting the water supply of the City to the extent that there would be insufficient water for human consumption, sanitation, fire protection and aquatic life protection.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in order to conserve the water supply for the greatest public benefit, The City of Vernonia has implemented the following regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of water during drought conditions:

Regulation of Sprinkling and watering

No person or customer shall sprinkle, water, or irrigate any shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers, or any other vegetation, except as follows:

a. Irrigation, sprinkling, and/or watering is only permitted by residences west of State Avenue on even-numbered calendar days.

b. Irrigation, sprinkling, and/or watering is only permitted by residences east of State Avenue on odd-numbered calendar days.

Nonessential Residential Water Use. The following residential water uses are hereby determined to be nonessential and are prohibited:

The use of water to wash any motorbike, motor vehicle, boat, trailer, airplane, or other vehicle, except when such water is used at a commercial fixed washing facility that utilizes water recycling equipment;

The use of water to wash down any sidewalk, walkway, driveway, parking lot, tennis court, or other hard-surfaced area, or any building or structure;

The use of water to fill, refill, or add to any indoor or outdoor swimming pool or jacuzzi pool, except for the following: neighborhood fire control purposes, where the pool has a recycling water system and evaporative cover, or where the use of the pool is required by a medical doctor’s prescription; and

The use of water in a fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes, except where necessary to support aquatic life.

Nonessential Commercial or Industrial Use. The following commercial water uses are hereby determined to be nonessential and are prohibited:

Serving City water for drinking at a restaurant, hotel, cafe, cafeteria, or other public place where food is sold, served, or offered for sale, to any person unless requested by such person;

The use of water for scenic or recreational ponds and lakes, except for the minimum amount required to support aquatic life;

The use of water from hydrants for construction purposes, fire drills, or any purpose other than fire-fighting;

The use of water by a golf course to irrigate any portion of its grounds except those areas designated as tees and greens; and

The use of water for dust control.

Gutter Flooding. No person or customer shall cause water to run to waste in any gutter or drain.

Regulation of Applications for New Water Service. No new, additional, further expanded, or increased-in-size water service connections, meters, service lines, pipeline extensions, mains or other water service facilities of any kind shall be allowed, approved, or installed.

Penalty. Penalties for violating these restrictions can be found on the City of Vernonia website in Ordinance 921.

SAID WATER CURTAILMENT MEASURES shall be in effect until streamflow has increased above trigger levels for a continuous 24 hours as verified by the Rock Creek water gauge or Water Resources Department.

The Vernonia Public Works Department’s 2025 Water Quality Report - also referred to as a Consumer Confidence Report - includes important information about Vernonia’s drinking water and system, as well as results of water quality tests conducted January 1 to December 31, 2025. Test results show the high-quality drinking water served by Vernonia Public Works to customers continues to meet all federal and state standards.

View Full Report

When: July 20, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

Where: Citizens are invited to attend in person at 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia OR 97064 or via GoTo Meeting.

Why: The Vernonia City Council is interested in hearing from citizens who are interested in expressing their opinion on the ordinance.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Vernonia City Council will deliberate the adoption of an Ordinance of the City of Vernonia Regulating Illegal Burning and Declaring an Emergency. A copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection at Vernonia City Hall located at 1001 Bridge Street, and on the city website: Here

The position is up to 20 hours per week at $16 per hour.  Work schedule may vary Monday – Saturday.

Requires a high school diploma plus one year of experience in a library, educational support setting, or equivalent in customer service.  All applications must be received by email or at City Hall 1001 Bridge St Vernonia, OR 97064. Position open until filled.  Application and full job description can be found HERE.

Full Time

Entry/Lateral

Open from now until filled

Salary Range: $61,520 to $74,908

Point of Contact: Chief Shawn Carnahan or Assistant Iwalani Leininger

Phone: 503-429-7335

Email: Carnahan@vernonia-or.gov, leininger@vernonia-or.gov

Job Description and application can be found HERE

New Hours of Operation:

·        Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am-5:00 pm

·        Friday: 8:00 am-12:00 pm

These changes will allow us to continue to provide services to the public while managing available resources responsibly. Thank you for your understanding.

OFFICES OPEN FOR ELECTION:

◦ VERNONIA MAYOR TWO YEAR TERM Presently held by Rick Hobart

◦ VERNONIA COUNCIL MEMBER FOUR YEAR TERM Presently held by Susan Wagner

◦ VERNONIA COUNCIL MEMBER FOUR YEAR TERM Presently held by Dale Webb

Details on how to run for City Council are available HERE.

The City of Vernonia is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.

PARK LOCATION: Vernonia Lake

RECREATION VEHICLE: ParkHost will have full hook-up and water with sewer and internet access.

LENGTH OF STAY: Host assignment and duration of stay is at the pleasure of the City. The typical minimum length of stay is one year. Park Host agreements are reviewed each year on the anniversary.

VOLUNTEER PARK HOST JOB DESCRIPTION: Greet and assist park visitors, answer questions, receive comments and pass out publications. Be a viable representative of the Parks Department, with knowledge of park rules and regulations. Be informed about the park setting, location of other parks, and local attractions and activities.

Be observant of activities within the park that require attention by park staff or law enforcement and contact help when emergencies occur. Call 911 for emergency or police.

Promote pride in our parks by maintaining a clean campsite and performing minor maintenance tasks, such as daily litter pick up and emptying garbage cans.

On a daily basis:

•Park hosts must work a minimum of two hours per day 7 days a week.

•Walk through the park, noting any problems or concerns, and bring such problems and concerns to the attention of City Hall staff.

•Clean restrooms on a daily basis.

•Clean primitive camping area and have ready for camping use.

Determine any additional duties and responsibilities through discussion with the City Administrator and Park Staff. City Administration may add or delete special hosting assignments, as well as lengthen a host’s stay, on an individual park basis as operational needs change. Please check with the City Administration if you have any questions.

NOTE: Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check.

HOW TO APPLY: Obtain a Park Host Application from City of Vernonia, 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, Oregon, 97064 or online HERE. Mail or deliver your completed application to City of Vernonia 1001 Bridge Street, Vernonia, OR 97064. Applications are due by June 1, 2026.

The City of Vernonia’s Public Works Department will be conducting the hydrant flushing program for several important reasons:

·        Enhancing Water Quality: Flushing removes sediments from water main pipes, ensuring better water quality for all residents.

·        Verifying Hydrant Operation: It allows us to confirm the proper operation of fire hydrants and associated valves.

·        Identifying System Deficiencies: Flushing helps in detecting any deficiencies within the water distribution system.

·        Checking Water Mains: We use this process to identify closed valves and ensure proper flows in the water mains.

·        Ensuring Firefighting Capability: The program also verifies water pressure and flow, crucial for firefighting purposes.

Notifications and What to Expect:

Hydrant Flushing: This process involves opening each fire hydrant to force water through the distribution system, dislodging small particles of rust and sediment. While this sediment does not pose a health risk, it can cause temporary water discoloration.

Discolored Water: If you notice discolored water, please do not be alarmed. This is a common and temporary occurrence as particles are cleaned from the pipes. To resolve this, run all cold-water faucets inside your home for 15 minutes, or until the water runs clear. If discoloration persists, please contact us at 503-429-5291 x101. We advise against washing laundry while water is discolored, especially with chlorine bleach, as it may cause staining.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to ensure the continued quality and efficiency of our water system. Your patience during this period is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

City of Vernonia Public Works Staff