WaterVerge

Is Morgan, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: GA0370007
Overall Score
88.5 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#47 of 378 in Georgia Top 22% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88.5/100
waterverge.com
A- 88.5/100

Morgan, GA — Water Quality Report

Morgan's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,967 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 22 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Morgan's water

Morgan ranks #47 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Morgan 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, Morgan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88.5 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.5/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Morgan, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Morgan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,967 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
1.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Morgan

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Morgan's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.5/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE MICHAEL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4400). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE MICHAEL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3406). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Morgan's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Morgan's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Aug 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Aug 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
May 2018 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
May 2018 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Mar 2016 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Calhoun County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2004. 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 Ichawaynochaway Creek, Pachitla Creek, Chickasawhatchee Creek, Spring Creek.

HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4400
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-3406
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4338

Where does Morgan's water come from?

Morgan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,967 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ichawaynochaway Creek (river), Pachitla Creek (river), Chickasawhatchee Creek (river), Spring Creek (river).

What Morgan residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Morgan's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 9% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

22
Total violations
1
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Aug 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

22 Total
8 Active
1 Health-based
14 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
6
Consumer Confidence Rule
6
Revised Total Coliform Rule
4
Nitrate Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2003 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2000 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2023 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Aug 2023
Aug 2023 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Aug 2023
May 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2018
May 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2018
Mar 2016 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2016
Mar 2016 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2016
Oct 2011 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2011
Jul 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2008
Jun 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2008
Jan 2003 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003
Jan 2003 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2003
Jan 2002 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Showing 20 of 22 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Calhoun County is currently in D3 (extreme 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
20.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Oct 2018
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Calhoun County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #4400
Oct 2018
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #3406
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #4338
Sep 2017
HURRICANE IRMA
Hurricane FEMA #3387
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3218
Sep 2004
TROPICAL STORM FRANCES
Hurricane FEMA #1560

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.3 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 3.6 ppb from 2006 (5.6 ppb) to 2025 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,967
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Morgan's water comes from

Groundwater

Morgan'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 1,967 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Morgan

Morgan is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Ichawaynochaway Creek
river
Pachitla Creek
river
Chickasawhatchee Creek
river
Spring Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Morgan

System Name PWSID Population Source
MORGAN STATE PRISON GA0370007 1,651 GW
MORGAN GA0370003 316 GW
Regional Comparison

How Morgan compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Morgan's score of 88.5/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Morgan (this city)
88.5
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Morgan, GA

Wikipedia →

Morgan is a city in Calhoun County, Georgia, United States. The population was 1,741 at the 2020 census. The city is the county seat of Calhoun County.

Economic Profile
$38,750
Median Income
$86,871
Median Home Value
$517/mo
Median Rent
39%
Unemployment
Community
37
Median Age
540
People / sq mi
4.5%
College Educated
73.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Morgan, GA tap water safe to drink?

Morgan's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Morgan's water?

Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.

How is 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 Morgan?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Morgan's water come from?

Morgan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,967 residents.

What health violations has Morgan's water system had?

Morgan has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.

Is Morgan's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Morgan 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 22 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 Morgan's water compare to other cities?

Morgan ranks #47 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 88% of state cities) and #3421 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.