A
96

Excellent Water Quality

Sterling, OH 44276

Wayne County · Population served: 6,491 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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RITTMAN CITY PWS
Groundwater · Pop. 6,491
PWSID: OH8503012

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

2Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Sterling

Tap water quality in Sterling, Ohio (44276) receives an overall grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 96 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 15 points above the Ohio state average of 81. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by Rittman City Pws, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 6,491 people.

Your Score 96/100 A
vs State 15 pts above Ohio avg (81)
vs National 21 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade A Means

A score of 96/100 means the water supply in Sterling, OH meets or exceeds all EPA standards with minimal issues. Contaminant levels are well within safe limits, and the water system has maintained a strong compliance record. While no water supply is guaranteed perfect at the tap due to household plumbing, this is among the best-scoring areas in the country.

Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Sterling, Ohio receives a grade of A (Excellent) with a score of 96/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.

ZIP code 44276 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 6,491 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.

No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 44276. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Sterling, Ohio during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Sterling, Ohio have received 2 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Water in Sterling, Ohio shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.

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