Is Sterlington, LA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Sterlington, LA — Water Quality Report
Sterlington's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,095 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 44 violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sterlington's water
Sterlington ranks #233 out of 309 cities in Louisiana for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Sterlington 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, Sterlington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sterlington, LA water safe to drink?
Sterlington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,095 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sterlington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sterlington's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sterlington'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
Sterlington's water system has 44 total violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Sterlington's water come from?
Sterlington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,095 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ouachita River At Sterlington (river), Byu De Loutre Nr Sterlington (river), Chauvin Bayou Near Monroe (river).
What Sterlington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sterlington'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 Sterlington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sterlington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 176,841 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ADVANCION CORP STERLINGTON, LA71280 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 176,841 | 1.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtUnion Parish is currently in D3 (extreme 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sterlington'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Sterlington compares by contaminant
Explore where Sterlington ranks among all Louisiana cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sterlington's water comes from
Sterlington'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,095 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sterlington
Sterlington is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sterlington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST STERLINGTON WATER SYSTEM | LA1111017 | 1,095 | GW |
How Sterlington compares
Full Louisiana rankings →Sterlington's score of 46/100 is below the average of 53/100 among major Louisiana cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Louisiana rankings →About Sterlington, LA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sterlington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Sterlington, LA tap water safe to drink?
Sterlington's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #233 out of 309 cities tested in Louisiana.
What contaminants are in Sterlington's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 44 violations are on record.
How is Sterlington'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 Sterlington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sterlington's water come from?
Sterlington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,095 residents.
What health violations has Sterlington's water system had?
Sterlington has 36 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sterlington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sterlington 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 44 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 Sterlington's water compare to other cities?
Sterlington ranks #233 out of 309 cities in Louisiana (better than 25% of state cities) and #14057 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sterlington's small water system affect quality?
Sterlington's system serves approximately 1,095 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 44 violations on record.