WaterVerge

Is Sheridan, TX Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: TX0450069
Overall Score
83.3 / 100
Violations
11 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#271 of 1067 in Texas Top 41% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83.3/100
waterverge.com
B+ 83.3/100

Sheridan, TX — Water Quality Report

Sheridan's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,164 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Sheridan's water

Sheridan ranks #271 out of 1067 cities in Texas for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.

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 →
83.3 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Sheridan, TX water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Sheridan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,164 residents using groundwater (wells).

11
Active Violations
0.9 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 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+ (83.3/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE BERYL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4798). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE HARVEY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4332). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Sheridan's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Dec 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Dec 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Dec 2018 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Dec 2018 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2016 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Colorado County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Navidad Rv Nr Hallettsville, W Sandy Ck At Fm 2437 Nr Sheridan.

HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4798
HURRICANE HARVEY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4332
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4269

Where does Sheridan's water come from?

Sheridan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,164 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Navidad Rv Nr Hallettsville (river), W Sandy Ck At Fm 2437 Nr Sheridan (river).

What Sheridan residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sheridan's water.

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.

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
Safe
0.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 6% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

13
Total violations
1
Health-based
11
Active / unresolved
Dec 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

13 Total
11 Active
1 Health-based
2 Resolved
Violations by category
Lead and Copper Rule
7
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
3
Total Coliform Rule
2
Dec 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2015 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2005 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2005
Jun 2005 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2005
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.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
HOUSTON CENTRAL GAS PLANT
Natural Gas Processing · KINDER MORGAN
SHERIDAN, TX77475
1.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Colorado County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
17.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Jul 2024
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Colorado County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jul 2024
HURRICANE BERYL
Hurricane FEMA #4798
Aug 2017
HURRICANE HARVEY
Hurricane FEMA #4332
Apr 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4269
Sep 2008
HURRICANE IKE
Hurricane FEMA #3294
Aug 2008
HURRICANE GUSTAV
Hurricane FEMA #3290
Sep 2005
HURRICANE RITA
Hurricane FEMA #1606

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.9 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.1 ppb from 1994 (1.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.9 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,164
Water Systems
2
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 1,164 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Sheridan

Sheridan is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Navidad Rv Nr Hallettsville
river
W Sandy Ck At Fm 2437 Nr Sheridan
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Sheridan

System Name PWSID Population Source
LAKE SHERIDAN ESTATES TX0450069 750 GW
SHERIDAN WSC TX0450016 414 GW
Regional Comparison

How Sheridan compares

Full Texas rankings →

Sheridan's score of 83.3/100 is above the average of 46/100 among major Texas cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Sheridan (this city)
83.3
Houston
27.8
Austin
31.2
Dallas
36.2
Fort Worth
34.5
Texas avg
46
City Profile

About Sheridan, TX

Wikipedia →

Sheridan is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Colorado County, Texas, United States.

Economic Profile
$54,688
Median Income
$130,461
Median Home Value
15.3%
Unemployment
Community
65.4
Median Age
14
People / sq mi
8.8%
College Educated
77.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Sheridan, TX tap water safe to drink?

Sheridan's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #271 out of 1067 cities tested in Texas.

What contaminants are in Sheridan's water?

Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 13 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?

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 2 water systems serving approximately 1,164 residents.

What health violations has Sheridan's water system had?

Sheridan has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.

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 13 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 #271 out of 1067 cities in Texas (better than 75% of state cities) and #6503 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.