Is Ft Morgan, CO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Ft Morgan, CO — Water Quality Report
Ft Morgan's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 705 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 176 violations on record, including 61 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ft Morgan's water
Ft Morgan ranks #224 out of 246 cities in Colorado for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Ft Morgan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ft Morgan, CO water safe to drink?
Ft Morgan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 705 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ft Morgan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ft Morgan's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4229). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4145). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ft Morgan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Ft Morgan's water system has 176 total violations on record, including 61 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Morgan County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 South Platte River.
Where does Ft Morgan's water come from?
Ft Morgan's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 705 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Platte River (river).
What Ft Morgan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ft Morgan'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.
Ft Morgan'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtLarimer County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 30.2% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Morgan County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ft Morgan's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ft Morgan compares by contaminant
Explore where Ft Morgan ranks among all Colorado cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ft Morgan's water comes from
Ft Morgan's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 705 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Ft Morgan
Ft Morgan is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Ft Morgan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIG ELK MEADOWS WA | CO0135143 | 405 | SW |
| PAGELS TP | CO0144025 | 300 | GW |
How Ft Morgan compares
Full Colorado rankings →Ft Morgan's score of 42/100 is on par with the average of 45/100 among major Colorado cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Colorado rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ft Morgan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Larimer
Frequently asked questions
Is Ft Morgan, CO tap water safe to drink?
Ft Morgan's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #224 out of 246 cities tested in Colorado.
What contaminants are in Ft Morgan's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 176 violations are on record.
How is Ft Morgan'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 Ft Morgan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ft Morgan's water come from?
Ft Morgan's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 705 residents.
What health violations has Ft Morgan's water system had?
Ft Morgan has 61 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 56 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ft Morgan's water compare to other cities?
Ft Morgan ranks #224 out of 246 cities in Colorado (better than 9% of state cities) and #14920 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.