TapSafetyReport
F0/100

Sterling Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 15,100 residents · Colorado

What's In Sterling's Tap Water?

70
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
1.60 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit

EPA Violation History

9

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Coliform

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to E. coli (RTCR)

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Coliform

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2023 – July 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 1, 2023 – May 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – November 10, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – October 18, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Turbidity

When: April 5, 2021 – April 23, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

STERLING CITY OF
Population Served

15,100

Water Source

Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water

System ID

CO0138045

Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling Water

Is Sterling tap water safe to drink?

Sterling, Colorado tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 74 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Sterling's water?

Of the 70 contaminants tested in Sterling's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Sterling have any water quality violations?

Yes, Sterling has 74 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MR, Other, MON. 27 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Sterling?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Sterling is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Sterling's tap water come from?

Sterling's drinking water is sourced from groundwater under influence of surface water and supplied by STERLING CITY OF. The system serves approximately 15,100 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Sterling's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Sterling's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Sterling's water compare to other cities in Colorado?

Sterling's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Colorado state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Sterling's water quality?

If you have concerns about Sterling's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (STERLING CITY OF) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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