Is Merkel, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.2/100
waterverge.com Merkel, TX — Water Quality Report
Merkel's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,871 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 88 violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Merkel's water
Merkel ranks #604 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Merkel, TX water safe to drink?
Merkel's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,871 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Merkel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Merkel's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1606). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Merkel's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Merkel's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Taylor County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Merkel's water come from?
Merkel's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 6,871 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Merkel residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Merkel'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Merkel
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Merkel, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WESTERN MARKETING INC. TYE, TX79563 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtTaylor County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Taylor County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Merkel compares by contaminant
Explore where Merkel ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Merkel's water comes from
Merkel's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 6,871 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Merkel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUN WSC | TX2210015 | 3,420 | SWP |
| CITY OF MERKEL | TX2210002 | 2,494 | SWP |
| BLAIR WSC | TX2210024 | 957 | SWP |
How Merkel compares
Full Texas rankings →Merkel's score of 68.2/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Merkel, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Merkel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taylor
Frequently asked questions
Is Merkel, TX tap water safe to drink?
Merkel's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #604 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Merkel's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Merkel'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 Merkel?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Merkel's water come from?
Merkel's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 6,871 residents.
What health violations has Merkel's water system had?
Merkel has 47 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
How does Merkel's water compare to other cities?
Merkel ranks #604 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 43% of state cities) and #11112 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.