C
59

Fair Water Quality

Morgantown, IN 46160

Brown County · Population served: 18,683 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🌊
BROWN COUNTY WATER UTILITY
Groundwater · Pop. 15,368
PWSID: IN5207001
🏔
NASHVILLE WATER DEPARTMENT
Surface water · Pop. 3,315
PWSID: IN5207002

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
8.9
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

5 detected 2 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFOA12.9 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOS10.5 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFPeA3.5 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFBS3.1 ppt2000 ppt100 pptBelow limit
PFHpA3.0 pptNo standardUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

14Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
4Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Morgantown

Tap water quality in Morgantown, Indiana (46160) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 59 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 20 points below the Indiana state average of 79. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 18,683 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 2 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. The area has 14 violations over the past 5 years, though none were classified as health-based.

Your Score 59/100 C
vs State 20 pts below Indiana avg (79)
vs National 16 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 59/100 indicates fair water quality in Morgantown, IN. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Morgantown, Indiana receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 59/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.

ZIP code 46160 is served by 2 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 18,683 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Lead was detected at 8.9 ppb in Morgantown, Indiana. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

Yes — 5 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Morgantown, Indiana, and 2 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Morgantown, Indiana have received 14 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Morgantown, Indiana should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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