Water Quality in Merlin, OR: 82 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 57/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Merlin's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Merlin in OR has 82 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Merlin
Water quality varies across Merlin's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97532 | C | 57 | 82 | 17 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Merlin.
Water Quality Overview
Merlin, Oregon receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 57 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Merlin have accumulated 82 EPA violations, including 17 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 98 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Merlin's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Merlin is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 54% of homes built before 1986, Merlin has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Water Systems Serving Merlin
Merlin is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 98 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Merlin. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Merlin
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Merlin Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Merlin's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 32 | 1 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 17 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 15 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Gross Beta | Radionuclides | 50 pCi/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Merlin:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 4 |
| 2022 | 8 | 8 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 4 in 2021 to 1 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Merlin. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-01 | State Filed Suit |
| 2025-03-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-10-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-01-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-01-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-04 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-09.
Merlin vs. Nearby Oregon Cities
How Merlin's water quality compares to similar cities in Oregon:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merlin | C | 82 | 2 | 98 |
| Otter Rock | A | 7 | 1 | 90 |
| Kimberly | C | 0 | 1 | 115 |
| Monument | B | 24 | 1 | 115 |
Common Questions About Merlin Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Merlin, Oregon:
Is Merlin water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Merlin's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Merlin tap water? Merlin's water receives a grade of C (57/100). There are 17 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Merlin? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Merlin vs. Oregon Average
Understanding how Merlin compares to the broader Oregon average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Merlin.
ZIP Codes in Merlin
Merlin spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 97532. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.