Is Mcgill, NV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.8/100
waterverge.com Mcgill, NV — Water Quality Report
Mcgill's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 54 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mcgill's water
Mcgill ranks #24 out of 66 cities in Nevada for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mcgill 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Mcgill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mcgill, NV water safe to drink?
Mcgill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mcgill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mcgill's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.8/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3243). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-258). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mcgill's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Mcgill's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
White Pine County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Mcgill's water come from?
Mcgill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Mcgill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mcgill'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWhite Pine County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
White Pine County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mcgill's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mcgill compares by contaminant
Explore where Mcgill ranks among all Nevada cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mcgill's water comes from
Mcgill'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Mcgill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCGILL WATER AND SEWER DIST | NV0000163 | 1,200 | GW |
How Mcgill compares
Full Nevada rankings →Mcgill's score of 87.8/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major Nevada cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nevada rankings →About Mcgill, NV
Wikipedia →McGill is a census-designated place (CDP) in White Pine County, Nevada, United States. The population was 1,148 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mcgill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across White Pine
Frequently asked questions
Is Mcgill, NV tap water safe to drink?
Mcgill's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #24 out of 66 cities tested in Nevada.
What contaminants are in Mcgill's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.
How is Mcgill'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 Mcgill?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mcgill's water come from?
Mcgill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
Is Mcgill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mcgill 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 54 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 Mcgill's water compare to other cities?
Mcgill ranks #24 out of 66 cities in Nevada (better than 64% of state cities) and #3837 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mcgill's small water system affect quality?
Mcgill's system serves approximately 1,200 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 54 violations on record.