City of Ft Morgan

The City of Fort Morgan actively participates in watershed protection programs in collaboration with the Colorado Big Thompson Watershed Forum and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (NCWCD). These organizations continuously monitor raw water quality throughout the Colorado Big Thompson Project.

You can access monitoring results at http://www.btwatershed.org or http://www.ncwcd.org. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has provided a Source Water Assessment report for our water supply, available at https://gemgrp.com/eReports/CNMA000137Y18.pdf.

Our source water comes from surface supplies that may be vulnerable to potential contamination from various sources including EPA-registered facilities, storage tanks, agricultural operations, and urban runoff. The city implements rigorous treatment processes to ensure safe drinking water delivery to all homes.

Regarding lead in drinking water: If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead exposure typically comes from materials in home plumbing systems. You can minimize potential exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking if it has been sitting for several hours.

For residents with health concerns, please note that some individuals may be particularly vulnerable to water contaminants, including those undergoing chemotherapy, persons with organ transplants, HIV/AIDS patients, and certain elderly or infant populations. These individuals should seek medical advice about their drinking water.

The city regularly tests for numerous contaminants including microbiological, inorganic, pesticides, organic chemicals, and radioactive substances. Our filtration systems effectively remove most contaminants, though no system guarantees 100% removal of all substances.

For water quality questions or to learn more about our system, please contact Eleazar O'canas at 970-483-7244.

Common questions about Fort Morgan's municipal water system:

1. Why does my water sometimes appear cloudy?
   Temporary cloudiness often results from trapped air bubbles that will clear if left standing.
2. What causes occasional chlorine smell?
   The city uses chlorine as a disinfectant to ensure water safety. Levels fluctuate seasonally but remain within safe parameters.
3. Is Fort Morgan's water considered "hard"?
   Yes, the local water contains elevated mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium, which can affect appliances and plumbing.
4. How often is the water tested?
   The city conducts daily operational testing plus comprehensive analysis for regulated contaminants according to EPA schedules.
5. Should I use a home filtration system?
   While the municipal supply meets safety standards, some residents prefer filters to address taste preferences or further reduce specific contaminants.