F0/100
STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 6,754 people · Massachusetts
Water Source
Groundwater
County
—
System ID
MA2282000
Violations
108
Contaminant Test Results
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.008 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Consumer confidence report — late or incomplete delivery
When: February 17, 2024 – December 3, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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
Frequently Asked Questions About STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT
Is STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT water safe to drink?
STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 108 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT detected?
31 contaminants were tested in STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT's water. Notable contaminants include PFOS, Lead (90th percentile). 1 exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT have any EPA violations?
Yes, STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT has 108 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include TT, MR, Other. 11 are health-based violations.
How many people does STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT serve?
STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT serves approximately 6,754 people, Massachusetts. The system provides water to 1 community: Sterling.
What type of water does STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT provide?
STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT sources its water from groundwater. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration. The utility's system ID is MA2282000.
How does STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT compare to other utilities in Massachusetts?
STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT scores 0/100 with a grade of F (failing). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our Massachusetts state page for a full comparison of water systems.