WaterVerge

Is Morven, GA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

680 residents served 1 water system PWSID: GA0270001
Overall Score
87.9 / 100
Violations
7 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#55 of 378 in Georgia Top 24% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.9/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.9/100

Morven, GA — Water Quality Report

Morven's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 680 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.3 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 15 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Morven's water

Morven ranks #55 out of 378 cities in Georgia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.9 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Morven, GA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Morven's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 680 residents using groundwater (wells).

7
Active Violations
2.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Morven

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Morven's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.9/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HELENE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4830). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE IDALIA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4738). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Morven's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2010 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2007 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2006 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2005 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Brooks County has experienced 8 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 Little River, Withlacoochee River.

HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4830
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4738
HURRICANE MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4400

Where does Morven's water come from?

Morven's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 680 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little River (river), Withlacoochee River (river).

What Morven residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Morven'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
2.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 15% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

15
Total violations
1
Health-based
7
Active / unresolved
Jul 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

15 Total
7 Active
1 Health-based
8 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
8
Consumer Confidence Rule
6
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2010
Sep 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2003
Apr 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2002
Jul 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1999
Mar 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1998
Oct 1995 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Oct 1995
Jul 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1992
Nov 1991 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1991
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D4 — exceptional drought

Brooks County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 100.0% 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
18.1%
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

8
Declared disasters
Sep 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Brooks County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 2004. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2024
HURRICANE HELENE
Hurricane FEMA #4830
Sep 2023
HURRICANE IDALIA
Hurricane FEMA #4738
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

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.3 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 0.6 ppb from 2006 (2.9 ppb) to 2025 (2.3 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
680
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Morven's water comes from

Groundwater

Morven'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 680 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Morven

Morven is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Little River
river
Withlacoochee River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Morven

System Name PWSID Population Source
MORVEN GA0270001 680 GW
Regional Comparison

How Morven compares

Full Georgia rankings →

Morven's score of 87.9/100 is above the average of 64/100 among major Georgia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Morven (this city)
87.9
Atlanta
37.2
Buford
82.4
Marietta
82.2
Decatur
84.8
Alpharetta
41.4
Georgia avg
64
City Profile

About Morven, GA

Wikipedia →

Morven is a city in Brooks County, Georgia, United States. It is part of the Valdosta metropolitan statistical area. The city was named after a mountain in Scotland. The population was 565 at the 2010 census, and 506 in 2020. It was formerly known as Sharpe's Store.

Economic Profile
$21,750
Median Income
$723/mo
Median Rent
11.3%
Unemployment
Community
43.3
Median Age
131
People / sq mi
9.4%
College Educated
48.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Morven, GA tap water safe to drink?

Morven's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #55 out of 378 cities tested in Georgia.

What contaminants are in Morven's water?

Lead was measured at 2.3 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.

How is Morven'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 Morven?

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

Where does Morven's water come from?

Morven's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 680 residents.

What health violations has Morven's water system had?

Morven has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.

Is Morven's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Morven 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 15 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 Morven's water compare to other cities?

Morven ranks #55 out of 378 cities in Georgia (better than 85% of state cities) and #3791 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Morven's small water system affect quality?

Morven's system serves approximately 680 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 15 violations on record.