Is Mount Morris, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.7/100
waterverge.com Mount Morris, IL — Water Quality Report
Mount Morris's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,861 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 31 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mount Morris's water
Mount Morris ranks #206 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Mount Morris 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, Mount Morris may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mount Morris, IL water safe to drink?
Mount Morris's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,861 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mount Morris
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Morris's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4116). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mount Morris's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mount Morris's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ogle County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Mount Morris's water come from?
Mount Morris's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,861 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Mount Morris residents can do
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.
Mount Morris'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Mount Morris
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mount Morris, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HA INTERNATIONAL LLC OREGON, IL61061 | Phenol | 8 | 4.9 mi |
WEC CO OREGON, IL61061 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Mount Morris
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BYRON SALVAGE YARD7.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Ogle County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mount Morris compares by contaminant
Explore where Mount Morris ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mount Morris's water comes from
Mount Morris'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 2,861 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Mount Morris
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT MORRIS | IL1410350 | 2,861 | GW |
How Mount Morris compares
Full Illinois rankings →Mount Morris's score of 88.7/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Mount Morris, IL
Wikipedia →Mount Morris is a village in Mount Morris Township, Ogle County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, Mount Morris had a population of 2,861.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mount Morris's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ogle
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Morris, IL tap water safe to drink?
Mount Morris's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #206 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Mount Morris's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Mount Morris'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 Mount Morris?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mount Morris's water come from?
Mount Morris's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,861 residents.
What health violations has Mount Morris's water system had?
Mount Morris has 26 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mount Morris's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mount Morris 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 31 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 Mount Morris's water compare to other cities?
Mount Morris ranks #206 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 77% of state cities) and #3294 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mount Morris's small water system affect quality?
Mount Morris's system serves approximately 2,861 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 31 violations on record.