Is Sterling City, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Sterling City, TX — Water Quality Report
Sterling City's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 888 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Sterling City's water
Sterling City ranks #145 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Sterling City 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, Sterling City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sterling City, TX water safe to drink?
Sterling City's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 888 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sterling City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sterling City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4781). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1606). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sterling City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sterling City's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sterling County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters 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 N Concho Rv Abv Sterling City, N Concho Rv At Sterling City.
Where does Sterling City's water come from?
Sterling City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 888 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include N Concho Rv Abv Sterling City (river), N Concho Rv At Sterling City (river).
What Sterling City residents can do
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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSterling County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Sterling County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sterling City compares by contaminant
Explore where Sterling City ranks among all Texas cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sterling City's water comes from
Sterling City'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 888 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sterling City
Sterling City is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sterling City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF STERLING CITY | TX2160001 | 888 | GW |
How Sterling City compares
Full Texas rankings →Sterling City's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Texas rankings →About Sterling City, TX
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sterling City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sterling
Frequently asked questions
Is Sterling City, TX tap water safe to drink?
Sterling City's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #145 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.
What contaminants are in Sterling City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Sterling City'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 Sterling City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sterling City's water come from?
Sterling City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 888 residents.
Is Sterling City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sterling City 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 1 violation 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 Sterling City's water compare to other cities?
Sterling City ranks #145 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 86% of state cities) and #4551 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sterling City's small water system affect quality?
Sterling City's system serves approximately 888 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 1 violation on record.