Sterling, PA Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Sterling, water quality data indicates below-average safety by PA standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Sterling Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Sterling Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 43% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Water Systems Serving Sterling
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in Sterling, PA. One of those systems serves the overwhelming majority of residential addresses, concentrating infrastructure management, rate authority, and EPA compliance reporting within a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sterling, Pennsylvania, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 270 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sterling — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sterling: D (53/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Sterling water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sterling
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18463 | D | DEVEREUX POCONO CENTER | 115 |
All ZIP Codes in Sterling
- 18463 [D]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
How Old Is Sterling's Housing Stock?
With 43% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Housing age is a practical proxy for plumbing risk because federal standards changed in 1986, when lead solder was banned from new residential construction, and again earlier — before 1970, lead pipes were themselves commonly installed. Sterling's median build year of 1999 sits in the range where both pre- and post-1986 homes are well represented. The bar chart above reflects that mixed picture: the distribution captures pockets of older housing alongside more recent development, and those pockets carry real lead risk potential at the individual property level.
Most homes in Sterling were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Sterling: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because property values in Sterling comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Sterling are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 42% above the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Sterling
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
When older housing represents 43% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Sterling address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Sterling
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 43% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sterling, PA