Is Merrill, OR 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 ↓
87.7/100
waterverge.com Merrill, OR — Water Quality Report
Merrill's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 907 residents using groundwater.
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 37 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Merrill's water
Merrill ranks #25 out of 213 cities in Oregon for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Merrill 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, Merrill may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Merrill, OR water safe to drink?
Merrill's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 907 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Merrill
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Merrill's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3228). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-184). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Merrill's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Merrill's water system has 37 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Klamath County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Lost River, Lost Rvr.
Where does Merrill's water come from?
Merrill's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 907 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lost River (river), Lost Rvr (river).
What Merrill residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Merrill'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtKlamath 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
Klamath County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1964. 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 Merrill compares by contaminant
Explore where Merrill ranks among all Oregon cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Merrill's water comes from
Merrill'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 907 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Merrill
Merrill is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Merrill
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MERRILL WATER DEPARTMENT | OR4100518 | 907 | GW |
How Merrill compares
Full Oregon rankings →Merrill's score of 87.7/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major Oregon cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Oregon rankings →About Merrill, OR
Wikipedia →Merrill is a city in Klamath County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2020 census, Merrill had a population of 821.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Merrill's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Klamath
Frequently asked questions
Is Merrill, OR tap water safe to drink?
Merrill's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #25 out of 213 cities tested in Oregon.
What contaminants are in Merrill's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Merrill'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 Merrill?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Merrill's water come from?
Merrill's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 907 residents.
What health violations has Merrill's water system had?
Merrill has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Merrill's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Merrill 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 37 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 Merrill's water compare to other cities?
Merrill ranks #25 out of 213 cities in Oregon (better than 88% of state cities) and #3903 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Merrill's small water system affect quality?
Merrill's system serves approximately 907 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 37 violations on record.