Illinois · population 14,535
Lead pipes in Sterling, IL
360 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Sterling (population 14,535) gets its water from IL American-Sterling. That system reported 23 lead and 337 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 7,400, with 2,393 more of unknown material.
4.9% of IL American-Sterling's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, lower than the Illinois average (17%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0.3%
- Galvanized (replace) 4.6%
- Unknown 32%
- Non-lead 63%
Latest lead test for IL American-Sterling (Jul 2025–Dec 2025): not detected at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for IL American-Sterling.
Water systems serving Sterling
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IL American-SterlingMain system | 23 | 337 | 2,393 | 4.9% |
| Rock FallsServes nearby areas | 3 | 361 | 0 | 8.2% |
Matched from EPA water system service area boundaries and the cities each system reports serving. Edges of the city may be served by a neighboring system; your water bill names your utility.
Check your address in Sterling
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on IL American-Sterling's official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test.
Protect your drinking water
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and use only cold water.
Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost
Nearby cities
- Rock Falls364 lead + galv. lines
- Prophetstown965 unknown
- Oregon72 lead + galv. lines
- Thomson55 lead + galv. lines
- Rochelle272 lead + galv. lines
- Hillcrest1 lead + galv. lines
- Ladd50 lead + galv. lines
- Colonano lead reported
Check another water system
Questions
Does Sterling, IL have lead pipes?
Yes. IL American-Sterling, which serves Sterling, reported 23 lead and 337 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 2,393 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Sterling?
EPA's service area maps place most of Sterling in IL American-Sterling's service area (PWSID IL1955040). Rock Falls also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Sterling home has a lead service line?
Search your address on IL American-Sterling's service line inventory map. You can also scratch the pipe where water enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and doesn't attract a magnet.
When will lead pipes in Sterling be replaced?
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask IL American-Sterling whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.