A93/100
Mt. Sterling Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 4,871 residents · Illinois
What's In Mt. Sterling's Tap Water?
8
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2013.
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
WESTERN IL CORRECTIONAL CENTER
Population Served
1,600
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
IL0090010
MOUNT STERLING
Population Served
3,271
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
IL0090100
Frequently Asked Questions About Mt. Sterling Water
Is Mt. Sterling tap water safe to drink?
Mt. Sterling, Illinois tap water receives a grade of A (93/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 8 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Mt. Sterling's water?
8 contaminants were tested in Mt. Sterling's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Mt. Sterling have any water quality violations?
Yes, Mt. Sterling has 9 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include RPT, Other, MR. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Mt. Sterling?
Mt. Sterling water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Mt. Sterling's tap water come from?
Mt. Sterling's drinking water is sourced from purchased groundwater and supplied by WESTERN IL CORRECTIONAL CENTER and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 4,871 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Mt. 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. Mt. 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 Mt. Sterling's water compare to other cities in Illinois?
Mt. Sterling's water quality score of 93/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Mt. Sterling among the better-performing water systems in Illinois. Visit our Illinois state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Mt. Sterling's water quality?
If you have concerns about Mt. 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 (WESTERN IL CORRECTIONAL CENTER) 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.