Is Fort Mcdermitt, NV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 45 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Fort Mcdermitt, NV — Water Quality Report
Fort Mcdermitt's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 566 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 663 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Mcdermitt's water
Fort Mcdermitt ranks #55 out of 66 cities in Nevada for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Fort Mcdermitt relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Fort Mcdermitt may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Mcdermitt, NV water safe to drink?
Fort Mcdermitt's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 566 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Mcdermitt
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Mcdermitt's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3243). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-759). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Mcdermitt's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort Mcdermitt's water system has 663 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Humboldt County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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 Mcdermitt Ck Nr Mcdermitt, Quinn.
Where does Fort Mcdermitt's water come from?
Fort Mcdermitt's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 566 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mcdermitt Ck Nr Mcdermitt (river), Quinn (river).
What Fort Mcdermitt residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Mcdermitt'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.
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
Humboldt County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1986. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Mcdermitt compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Mcdermitt ranks among all Nevada cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Mcdermitt's water comes from
Fort Mcdermitt's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by native american ownership and serves approximately 566 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Fort Mcdermitt
Fort Mcdermitt is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fort Mcdermitt
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ft. McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone - Lower | 093200165 | 456 | GW |
| Ft. McDermitt Paiute-Shoshone - Upper | 093200164 | 110 | GW |
How Fort Mcdermitt compares
Full Nevada rankings →Fort Mcdermitt's score of 50/100 is below the average of 57/100 among major Nevada cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nevada rankings →About Fort Mcdermitt, NV
Wikipedia →McDermitt is an unincorporated community straddling the Nevada–Oregon border, in Humboldt County, Nevada, and Malheur County, Oregon, United States. McDermitt's economy has historically been based on mining, ranching, and farming. The last mining operation closed in 1990, resulting in a steady decline in population.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Mcdermitt's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Mcdermitt, NV tap water safe to drink?
Fort Mcdermitt's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #55 out of 66 cities tested in Nevada.
What contaminants are in Fort Mcdermitt's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 663 violations are on record.
How is Fort Mcdermitt'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 Fort Mcdermitt?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Mcdermitt's water come from?
Fort Mcdermitt's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 566 residents.
What health violations has Fort Mcdermitt's water system had?
Fort Mcdermitt has 29 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 45 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort Mcdermitt's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Mcdermitt uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 663 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Fort Mcdermitt's water compare to other cities?
Fort Mcdermitt ranks #55 out of 66 cities in Nevada (better than 17% of state cities) and #13190 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.