F3/100
Mercedes Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 17,558 residents · Texas
What's In Mercedes's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
strontium | 2100.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
3
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: May 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Reporting violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CITY OF MERCEDES
Population Served
16,258
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TX1080007
LLANO GRANDE LAKE PARK EAST
Population Served
1,300
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
TX1080034
Frequently Asked Questions About Mercedes Water
Is Mercedes tap water safe to drink?
Mercedes, Texas tap water receives a grade of F (3/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 114 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Mercedes's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Mercedes's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), strontium. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Mercedes have any water quality violations?
Yes, Mercedes has 114 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, RPT. 20 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Mercedes?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Mercedes is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Mercedes's tap water come from?
Mercedes's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CITY OF MERCEDES and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 17,558 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Mercedes's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Mercedes's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Mercedes's water compare to other cities in Texas?
Mercedes's water quality score of 3/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Texas state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Mercedes's water quality?
If you have concerns about Mercedes's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CITY OF MERCEDES) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.