Is Mount Sterling, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
80.4/100
waterverge.com Mount Sterling, OH — Water Quality Report
Mount Sterling's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,059 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 74 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mount Sterling's water
Mount Sterling ranks #261 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Mount Sterling 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 Sterling may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mount Sterling, OH water safe to drink?
Mount Sterling's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,059 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mount Sterling
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Sterling's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Radium-228.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mount Sterling's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Mount Sterling's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Hellbranch Run Near Harrisburg, Deer Creek At Mount Sterling, Deer Creek Near Pancoastburg, Deer Creek At Williamsport.
Where does Mount Sterling's water come from?
Mount Sterling's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,059 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hellbranch Run Near Harrisburg (river), Deer Creek At Mount Sterling (river), Deer Creek Near Pancoastburg (river), Deer Creek At Williamsport (river).
What Mount Sterling residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mount Sterling's water.
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.
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 Sterling
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mount Sterling, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 40 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STEPHEN'S PIPE & STEEL INC MOUNT STERLING, OH43143 | Zinc compounds | 37 | 0.1 mi |
MAHLE BEHR MT STERLING INC. MOUNT STERLING, OH43143 | Manganese | 3 | 0.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Madison County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mount Sterling's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 186.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 186.000 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Mount Sterling compares by contaminant
Explore where Mount Sterling ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mount Sterling's water comes from
Mount Sterling'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 2,059 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mount Sterling
Mount Sterling is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mount Sterling
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT STERLING VILLAGE PWS | OH4900812 | 2,059 | GW |
How Mount Sterling compares
Full Ohio rankings →Mount Sterling's score of 80.4/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Mount Sterling, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mount Sterling's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Sterling, OH tap water safe to drink?
Mount Sterling's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #261 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Mount Sterling's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is Mount Sterling'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 Sterling?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mount Sterling's water come from?
Mount Sterling's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,059 residents.
What health violations has Mount Sterling's water system had?
Mount Sterling has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mount Sterling's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mount Sterling 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 74 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 Sterling's water compare to other cities?
Mount Sterling ranks #261 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 49% of state cities) and #7886 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mount Sterling's small water system affect quality?
Mount Sterling's system serves approximately 2,059 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 74 violations on record.