A97/100
Sterling Heights Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 127,000 residents · Michigan
What's In Sterling Heights's Tap Water?
76
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
STERLING HEIGHTS, CITY OF
Population Served
127,000
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MI0006385
Frequently Asked Questions About Sterling Heights Water
Is Sterling Heights tap water safe to drink?
Sterling Heights, Michigan tap water receives a grade of A (97/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 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 Sterling Heights's water?
76 contaminants were tested in Sterling Heights's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Sterling Heights have any water quality violations?
Yes, Sterling Heights has 3 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2013. Violation types include MR, Other. None of these are classified as health-based violations.
Do I need a water filter in Sterling Heights?
Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights's tap water come from?
Sterling Heights's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by STERLING HEIGHTS, CITY OF. The system serves approximately 127,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Sterling Heights'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 Heights'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 Heights's water compare to other cities in Michigan?
Sterling Heights's water quality score of 97/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Sterling Heights among the better-performing water systems in Michigan. Visit our Michigan state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Sterling Heights's water quality?
If you have concerns about Sterling Heights'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 HEIGHTS, 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.