Is Morton, WA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72/100
waterverge.com Morton, WA — Water Quality Report
Morton's drinking water received a grade of B- (72 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,195 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 349 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Morton's water
Morton ranks #162 out of 294 cities in Washington for water quality, placing it below average 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, Morton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Morton, WA water safe to drink?
Morton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,195 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Morton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Morton's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3629). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4650). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Morton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Morton's water system has 349 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lewis County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Morton's water come from?
Morton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,195 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Morton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Morton'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Morton'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
Flood & disaster history
Lewis County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Morton compares by contaminant
Explore where Morton ranks among all Washington cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Morton's water comes from
Morton'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,195 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Morton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MORTON CITY OF | WA5356250 | 2,147 | SW |
| CASCADE MHP | WA5367310 | 48 | GW |
How Morton compares
Full Washington rankings →Morton's score of 72/100 is above the average of 53/100 among major Washington cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Washington rankings →About Morton, WA
Wikipedia →Morton is a city in Lewis County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,036 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Morton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lewis
Frequently asked questions
Is Morton, WA tap water safe to drink?
Morton's water quality earned a grade of B- (72/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #162 out of 294 cities tested in Washington.
What contaminants are in Morton's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 349 violations are on record.
How is Morton'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 Morton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Morton's water come from?
Morton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,195 residents.
What health violations has Morton's water system had?
Morton has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Morton's water compare to other cities?
Morton ranks #162 out of 294 cities in Washington (better than 45% of state cities) and #10461 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.