WaterQ
California State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Merced tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
A

Mostly yes — Merced scores 90/100.

Safety Score
90
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Merced?

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Merced

California

View California state report Data updated: Mar 2026

Is Merced tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Merced scores 90/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 3 local systems in Merced. We found 37 total violations (12 unresolved).

Real-Time Environment

Live: 05:15 PM
0mm Precipitation

☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Merced.

Water Quality Impact

✅ Minimal Impact Localized weather conditions may influence test result variability.

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Merced?

Requirement Status
Optional
🟢
💡

Expert Advice

Your water quality is excellent. Standard filtration is optional but can further enhance taste.

Buying a Filter?

Should you buy a water purifier in Merced? See our analysis.

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Baby Formula Safety

Is Merced tap water safe for infants? Critical safety guide.

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Homebuyer's Perspective

For those looking to relocate to Merced, water quality is a key factor in long-term property maintenance. The high safety score (90/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Compliance Record for Merced

37
Violations (5yr)
12
Unresolved
1
Contaminants Tracked
0
Exceeding EPA Limit

Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Merced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Merced tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Merced scores 90/100.

How many water systems serve Merced?

Merced is served by 3 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Merced?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Merced.

What is the water quality score for Merced?

The water quality score for Merced is 90 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 3 systems serving the city.

What are the top contaminants in Merced?

The top contaminants detected in Merced include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
90/100
Grade
A
Water Systems
3
Population
96,388

Merced Water Quality Summary

Merced, CA receives a water quality score of 90/100 (Grade A) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 3 public water systems serving the area.

Merced's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Merced's score of 90 is 1 point above the California state average of 89, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

Located in California's agricultural Central Valley, this mid-size city receives its drinking water from a few local distribution systems that maintain outstanding quality standards. For families and prospective homebuyers looking at the West Coast, Merced's highly rated water supply maintains reliable compliance despite the region's complex environmental and geological factors. This consistent track record of clean water means residents can confidently rely on their household taps every day.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our California water quality rankings report →

Key Contaminants

Lead (90th percentile)
0.0069 / 0.015 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 0.015 mg/L

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Water Systems Serving Merced (3)

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Related

Compare Merced water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality