The river's drainage basin covers an area of approximately 30 km2, which includes one relatively large tributary to the east amongst several smaller streams that flow into the main channel.

The predominant land use along the course of the river is agriculture, with large expanses of open pasture.

The main stem of the river has been divided into two sections for classification purposes with a total length of 27.1 kilometres (16.8 mi).

[1][2] On 19 January 2017, a report of acid pollution in the River Morda was made to the Environment Agency.

An investigation into the cause and impact of the incident was subsequently launched by the Environment Agency and United Utilities.