Is Merriam Woods, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.7/100
waterverge.com Merriam Woods, MO — Water Quality Report
Merriam Woods's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,839 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 47 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Merriam Woods's water
Merriam Woods ranks #301 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Merriam Woods 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, Merriam Woods may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Merriam Woods, MO water safe to drink?
Merriam Woods's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,839 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Merriam Woods
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Merriam Woods's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Merriam Woods's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Merriam Woods's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Taney County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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 White River Bl Table Rock Dam Near Branson, Lake Taneycomo At School Of The Ozarks, Turkey Creek Near Hollister, Bull Creek Near Walnut Shade, Lake Taneycomo At Ozark Beach Dam.
Where does Merriam Woods's water come from?
Merriam Woods's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,839 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White River Bl Table Rock Dam Near Branson (river), Lake Taneycomo At School Of The Ozarks (lake), Turkey Creek Near Hollister (river), Bull Creek Near Walnut Shade (river), Lake Taneycomo At Ozark Beach Dam (lake).
What Merriam Woods residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Merriam Woods'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.
Merriam Woods's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
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 Merriam Woods
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Merriam Woods, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CONCRETE CO OF THE OZARKS- BRANSON EAST HOLLISTER, MO65672 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtTaney 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
Taney County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1993. 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Merriam Woods compares by contaminant
Explore where Merriam Woods ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Merriam Woods's water comes from
Merriam Woods'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 1,839 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Merriam Woods
Merriam Woods is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Merriam Woods
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERRIAM WOODS PWS | MO5036152 | 1,839 | GW |
How Merriam Woods compares
Full Missouri rankings →Merriam Woods's score of 81.7/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Merriam Woods, MO
Wikipedia →Merriam Woods is a city in Taney County, Missouri, United States. The population was 2,006 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Branson, Missouri Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Merriam Woods's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Taney
Frequently asked questions
Is Merriam Woods, MO tap water safe to drink?
Merriam Woods's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #301 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Merriam Woods's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Merriam Woods'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 Merriam Woods?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Merriam Woods's water come from?
Merriam Woods's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,839 residents.
Is Merriam Woods's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Merriam Woods 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 47 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 Merriam Woods's water compare to other cities?
Merriam Woods ranks #301 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 41% of state cities) and #7356 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Merriam Woods's small water system affect quality?
Merriam Woods's system serves approximately 1,839 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 47 violations on record.