Sterling City, TX Water Safety: 88/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Sterling City, safety indicators for tap water remain above the TX median — documented violations are infrequent and the city's compliance record sits in the upper tier.
How Sterling City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Sterling City Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 61% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 11.19.
Water Systems Serving Sterling City
Because residential water in Sterling City, TX flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sterling City, Texas, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,389 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sterling City — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sterling City: A (88/100)
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 City water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sterling City
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 76951 | A | City of Sterling City | 888 |
All ZIP Codes in Sterling City
- 76951 [A]
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.
CDC Health Data for Sterling City
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Sterling City's Housing Stock?
With 61% 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
Because the majority of Sterling City's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1989 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Sterling City were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Protecting Children from Lead in Sterling City
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 61% 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 City address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sterling City, TX