WaterVerge

Is Sheridan, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

649 residents served 1 water system PWSID: MI0006040
Overall Score
84 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#283 of 520 in Michigan Top 39% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
84/100
waterverge.com
B+ 84/100

Sheridan, MI — Water Quality Report

Sheridan's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 649 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Sheridan's water

Sheridan ranks #283 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Sheridan relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

As a small community water system, Sheridan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
84 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
13/20
C
Lead at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Sheridan, MI water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Sheridan's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 649 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
11.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Sheridan

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sheridan's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-774). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sheridan's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 11.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Violation history

Sheridan's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

MRMON
Most recent violations:
Dec 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Feb 2019 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Aug 2015 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Aug 2015 TTHM Resolved
Sep 1998 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Montcalm County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Fish Creek.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3225
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-774
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-744

Where does Sheridan's water come from?

Sheridan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 649 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Fish Creek (river).

What Sheridan residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Sheridan's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Near Limit
11.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 73% of limit
Near LimitFilter: NSF-53
Compliance Record

Violation summary

6
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Dec 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

6 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
4 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Dec 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Feb 2019 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2019
Aug 2015 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2016
Aug 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2016
Sep 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1998
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Sheridan

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sheridan, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 7 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
FEDERAL-MOGUL CORP
Transportation Equipment · TENNECO INC
GREENVILLE, MI48838
Lead And Lead Compounds78.6 mi
KENT FOUNDRY
Primary Metals · NA
GREENVILLE, MI48838
7.6 mi
DICASTAL N.A. INC
Primary Metals · NA
GREENVILLE, MI48838
7.9 mi
GREENVILLE VENTURE PARTNERS LLC
Food · FOREMOST FARMS USA COOPERATIVE
GREENVILLE, MI48838
7.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Montcalm County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3225
Sep 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #774
Sep 1985
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #744
Sep 1975
SEVERE STORMS, HIGH WINDS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #486

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Sheridan's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 11.0 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 11.0 15 ppb Inorganic Near Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 11.0 ppb (2023)

EPA action level: 15 ppb

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
649
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Sheridan's water comes from

Groundwater

Sheridan's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 649 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Sheridan

Sheridan is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Fish Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Sheridan

System Name PWSID Population Source
SHERIDAN MI0006040 649 GW
Regional Comparison

How Sheridan compares

Full Michigan rankings →

Sheridan's score of 84/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Sheridan (this city)
84
Detroit
84.1
Ann Arbor
51.5
Lansing
57.3
Michigan avg
70
City Profile

About Sheridan, MI

Wikipedia →

Sheridan is a village in Montcalm County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 692 at the 2020 census, up from 649 in 2010. The village is located at the corners of four townships and incorporates land from each: Evergreen Township to the northeast, Bushnell Township to the southeast, Fairplain Township to the southwest, and Sidney Township to the northwest.

Economic Profile
$53,750
Median Income
$131,376
Median Home Value
$744/mo
Median Rent
1.8%
Unemployment
Community
37.8
Median Age
304
People / sq mi
16.2%
College Educated
83.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Sheridan, MI tap water safe to drink?

Sheridan's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #283 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.

What contaminants are in Sheridan's water?

Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.

How is Sheridan's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Sheridan?

While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Sheridan's water come from?

Sheridan's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 649 residents.

Is Sheridan's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Sheridan uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 6 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Sheridan's water compare to other cities?

Sheridan ranks #283 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 46% of state cities) and #6166 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Sheridan's small water system affect quality?

Sheridan's system serves approximately 649 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 6 violations on record.