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Morgan County Quality Wd

Fort Morgan, CO · serves 7,425 · Purchased surface waterCO0144020
Worth watching
Naturally occurring lithium detected. No federal limit. Research is preliminary; see the lithium learn page for context.
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Measured in your 2025 water report
From your utility's Consumer Confidence Report · 90 contaminants tested
Above limit
Approaching limit
Within limits
Regulated contaminants — legally enforceable limits
Arsenic▸
Measure
0.003 mg/L
What is it?
A naturally occurring element found in rock and soil. Gets into drinking water through erosion of natural deposits or runoff from industrial and agricultural sources.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of skin, bladder, and lung cancer. There is no safe level for arsenic — the MCL of 10 µg/L balances health protection with treatment feasibility.
What to do
If your water is near or above the limit, a reverse osmosis filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 removes over 90% of arsenic. Point-of-use filters at the kitchen tap are effective and affordable.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found congenital heart defects including atrial septal defects at concentrations as low as 0.0005 mg/L — 20x below the US federal limit.
Barium▸
Measure
0.083 mg/L
What is it?
A naturally occurring metal found in mineral deposits. Enters water through erosion of natural deposits or discharge from drilling and metal refining operations.
Why it matters
At high levels, barium can cause increased blood pressure. Levels well below the MCL of 2 mg/L are not a health concern.
What to do
No action needed at typical detection levels. Barium is rarely found near its MCL in treated drinking water.
Chromium▸
Measure
0.003 mg/L
What is it?
A metal found naturally in rocks, soil, and volcanic dust. Total chromium includes both chromium-3 (essential nutrient) and chromium-6 (the "Erin Brockovich" contaminant).
Why it matters
The federal MCL of 0.1 mg/L covers total chromium. Most health concern is specifically about chromium-6, which has no federal MCL but is monitored in some states.
What to do
If total chromium is well below the MCL, no action needed. If you want to know the chromium-6 level specifically, check if your utility tests for it separately.
Combined Radium▸
Measure
0.2 pCi/L
What is it?
The combined measurement of radium-226 and radium-228 — naturally occurring radioactive elements found in some groundwater, especially in the Midwest and Great Plains.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 5 pCi/L increases cancer risk, particularly bone cancer. Radium is most common in deep groundwater wells.
What to do
Ion exchange water softeners can reduce radium. Reverse osmosis is also effective. If your system uses groundwater and radium is detected, a point-of-use filter adds a layer of protection.
Fluoride▸
Measure
0.37 mg/L
What is it?
Naturally occurring mineral, also added to many water systems to prevent tooth decay. The MCL (4 mg/L) is much higher than the typical added amount (0.7 mg/L).
Why it matters
At levels near the MCL, long-term exposure can cause skeletal fluorosis (bone pain and tenderness). The secondary standard of 2 mg/L triggers a required public notice about dental fluorosis risk in children.
What to do
Levels below 2 mg/L are within the range considered safe. If above 2 mg/L, children under 9 may be at risk for dental fluorosis — talk to your pediatric dentist.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found lower IQ in children and potential thyroid disruption at concentrations as low as 1.5 mg/L — 3x below the US federal limit.
Nitrate (as N)▸
Measure
7.3 mg/L
What is it?
Comes from fertilizer runoff, septic systems, and erosion of natural deposits. One of the most common groundwater contaminants in agricultural areas.
Why it matters
Nitrate above 10 mg/L can cause "blue baby syndrome" (methemoglobinemia) in infants under 6 months — it interferes with blood's ability to carry oxygen. Adults can tolerate higher levels.
What to do
If you have an infant on formula and your water is above 5 mg/L, consider using bottled water for formula preparation. Boiling water does NOT remove nitrate — it concentrates it.
What the research says
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have found neural tube defects, preterm birth, and low birth weight at concentrations as low as 5 mg/L — 2x below the US federal limit.
Nitrate + Nitrite (as N)▸
Measure
3.5 mg/L
No additional information available for this contaminant.
Radium-228▸
Measure
0.2 pCi/L
What is it?
A naturally occurring radioactive element produced by the decay of thorium. Most common in deep groundwater.
Why it matters
Combined radium (226 + 228) has an MCL of 5 pCi/L. Radium-228 is a beta emitter linked to bone cancer with long-term exposure.
What to do
Ion exchange and reverse osmosis filters are effective at reducing radium.
Selenium▸
Measure
0.002 mg/L
What is it?
A naturally occurring element essential in small amounts but toxic at high levels. Enters water from erosion of natural deposits and discharge from mines and refineries.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 0.05 mg/L can cause hair and fingernail loss, numbness, and circulation problems.
What to do
No action needed at typical detection levels. Selenium is rarely found near its MCL in treated water.
Uranium▸
Measure
2.4 µg/L
What is it?
A naturally occurring radioactive metal found in some groundwater, especially in granite and volcanic rock formations. Common in the western US.
Why it matters
The MCL of 20 pCi/L (or 0.030 mg/L) protects against kidney toxicity and cancer risk. Uranium is both a chemical toxin and a radiological hazard.
What to do
Reverse osmosis and ion exchange filters can reduce uranium. If your system uses groundwater in a uranium-bearing geology, a point-of-use filter is good protection.
Disinfection byproducts
TCAA▸
Measure
2.62 µg/L
What is it?
A haloacetic acid formed during chlorine disinfection of source water containing organic matter. One of five HAAs regulated together as HAA5.
Why it matters
EPA sets the MCLG at 0.02 mg/L based on liver effects observed in animal studies. Classified as suggestive but not yet established as a human carcinogen. Regulated as part of the HAA5 group (60 µg/L).
What to do
Like other HAAs, TCAA is reduced by carbon-block filtration at point-of-use (NSF/ANSI 53 certified for VOCs). Reducing the parent organic load — through utility-side treatment changes — is the more effective approach at scale.
DBAA▸
Measure
2.41 µg/L
What is it?
A brominated haloacetic acid formed in chlorinated water with elevated bromide. One of five HAAs regulated together as HAA5.
Why it matters
EPA has not established an individual MCLG for DBAA — there isn't enough data yet to identify a no-effect level. Regulated as part of HAA5 (60 µg/L), since the group is associated with cancer and developmental concerns.
What to do
Reduced by point-of-use carbon-block filtration (NSF/ANSI 53). Source-water treatment is the more effective control.
DCAA▸
Measure
5.44 µg/L
What is it?
A haloacetic acid formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter during disinfection. One of five HAAs regulated together as HAA5 (limit: 60 µg/L).
Why it matters
EPA classifies DCAA as a likely human carcinogen and sets the MCLG at zero. Animal studies show liver, neurological, and reproductive effects, and developmental concerns have been raised at high prenatal exposures. The HAA5 group limit reflects feasibility, not the MCLG.
What to do
DCAA forms in your utility's treatment process. Point-of-use carbon-block filters certified for VOC reduction (NSF/ANSI 53) can reduce HAAs. Running cold tap water briefly before drinking helps clear water that has sat in pipes where DBPs continue to form.
HAA5▸
Measure
9.85 µg/L
What is it?
Another group of disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter. HAA5 measures the five most common species.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 60 µg/L (0.060 mg/L) is associated with increased cancer risk. Like THMs, the MCL is based on a running annual average.
What to do
Activated carbon filters can reduce HAA5. If your system consistently approaches the limit, a reverse osmosis filter provides more complete removal.
DBCM▸
Measure
8.55 µg/L
What is it?
A brominated trihalomethane formed when chlorine reacts with bromide-containing organic matter. More common in source waters with higher bromide levels — often coastal or groundwater systems.
Why it matters
EPA sets the MCLG at 0.06 mg/L based on liver and kidney effects. Some evidence suggests DBCM may be carcinogenic, though the data is less clear than for BDCM and bromoform. Regulated together with the other three trihalomethanes under TTHM.
What to do
Like other THMs, DBCM forms in the distribution system as chlorine reacts over time. A point-of-use carbon-block filter (NSF/ANSI 53) reduces it along with related compounds.
Chloroform▸
Measure
7.38 µg/L
What is it?
A disinfection byproduct formed when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in source water. The most common of the four trihalomethanes.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure has been associated with increased risk of bladder cancer and possibly colorectal cancer. EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen and sets an MCLG of 0.07 mg/L based on liver effects. Regulated together with three other trihalomethanes under the TTHM standard (80 µg/L).
What to do
Chloroform levels are largely a function of how your utility manages disinfection. If TTHM is approaching the limit, a carbon-block filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certified for VOCs or specifically for trihalomethanes) at point-of-use reduces it. Letting cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking can also help, since chloroform forms in the distribution system.
BDCM▸
Measure
6.51 µg/L
What is it?
A brominated trihalomethane formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter and bromide in source water. One of four trihalomethanes regulated together under TTHM.
Why it matters
EPA classifies BDCM as a probable human carcinogen and sets the MCLG at zero, meaning the agency identifies no safe lifetime exposure level. Studies link it to bladder and colon cancer, and to reproductive and developmental effects at high exposures. The enforceable limit (80 µg/L for total TTHM) reflects what's feasible to achieve, not what's safest.
What to do
BDCM is formed in your utility's system, so reducing it generally means reducing total disinfection byproducts there. At point-of-use, a carbon-block filter certified for VOCs or trihalomethanes (NSF/ANSI 53) reduces BDCM along with other THMs.
Bromoform▸
Measure
5.94 µg/L
What is it?
A fully brominated trihalomethane, formed when chlorine reacts with high-bromide source water. More common in coastal and arid-region systems where source water naturally contains bromide.
Why it matters
EPA classifies bromoform as a probable human carcinogen, with an MCLG of zero. Animal studies show liver and intestinal tumors; human evidence is more limited but consistent with the other brominated THMs. Regulated under the TTHM standard (80 µg/L for the sum of all four).
What to do
Reducing bromoform usually means working at the source — your utility may need to adjust disinfection or pretreatment. At home, an NSF/ANSI 53 carbon-block filter reduces bromoform along with the other THMs.
TTHM▸
Measure
28 µg/L
What is it?
Formed when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. Includes chloroform, bromoform, and related compounds. The trade-off: disinfection prevents waterborne disease, but creates these byproducts.
Why it matters
Long-term exposure above the MCL of 80 µg/L (0.080 mg/L) is associated with increased cancer risk and possible reproductive effects. The MCL is based on a running annual average, not a single sample.
What to do
If your system is near or above the limit, an activated carbon filter (including pitcher filters like Brita) can reduce THMs. Running water for a minute before drinking also helps, as THMs are volatile and dissipate.
PFAS
PFHxS▸
Measure
1.6 ng/L
What is it?
Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid — a shorter-chain PFAS compound found in firefighting foam and consumer products.
Why it matters
MCL of 10 ng/L. Like other PFAS, it persists in the body and environment. Linked to thyroid and immune effects.
What to do
Reverse osmosis filters are most effective for PFAS removal. Activated carbon provides partial reduction.
PFBS▸
Measure
1.1 ng/L
What is it?
Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid — a short-chain PFAS compound. Part of the EPA's Hazard Index approach for PFAS mixtures.
Why it matters
Regulated as part of the PFAS mixture Hazard Index, not as a standalone MCL. Short-chain PFAS are harder to remove from water but are excreted from the body faster than long-chain PFAS.
What to do
Reverse osmosis is the most effective removal method for short-chain PFAS.
No US limit — WHO recommendation
Nickel▸
Measure
0.002 mg/L
What is it?
A metal that enters water from natural deposits and industrial discharge. The federal MCL was remanded (withdrawn) in 1995 but monitoring continues.
Why it matters
No current federal MCL. At typical detection levels, nickel in drinking water is not considered a health concern for most people. People with nickel allergies may be more sensitive.
What to do
No action needed at typical detection levels.
Sodium▸
Measure
28.6 mg/L
What is it?
Naturally present in most water sources. Also increases from road salt, water softeners, and natural mineral deposits.
Why it matters
There is no federal MCL for sodium. The WHO suggests a guideline of 200 mg/L for people on sodium-restricted diets. For most people, sodium in water is a small fraction of dietary intake.
What to do
If you're on a sodium-restricted diet and your water is above 20 mg/L, talk to your doctor. For most people, no action needed.
% of limit

CCR data in early access — values are extracted from utility PDFs and may contain errors. Verify with your utility's 2025 CCR report.

Source: MORGAN COUNTY QUALITY WD Consumer Confidence Report 2025 · Extracted by WaterScore
Measured data
Private Well Risk

Do you have or use a private well? Measured concentrations from nearby private wells sampled within 5 miles.

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Blended supply
Water Sources

Fort Morgan uses both groundwater and surface water sources, giving it more supply flexibility during drought conditions.

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