Is Sherman, IL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
65.3/100
waterverge.com Sherman, IL — Water Quality Report
Sherman's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,062 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 15.0 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sherman's water
Sherman ranks #777 out of 891 cities in Illinois for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Sherman 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, Sherman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sherman, IL water safe to drink?
Sherman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,062 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sherman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sherman's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3230). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-438). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sherman's water supply.
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
Sherman's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Sangamon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 South Fork Sangamon River Below Rochester, Sugar Creek, Sangamon River, Spring Creek.
Where does Sherman's water come from?
Sherman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,062 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Sangamon River Below Rochester (river), Sugar Creek (river), Sangamon River (river), Spring Creek (river).
What Sherman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sherman's water.
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Sherman
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sherman, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 181 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CITY WATER LIGHT & POWER CITY OF SPRINGFIELD SPRINGFIELD, IL62703 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 181 | 9.1 mi |
US DOD USAF CAPITAL MAP ANG SPRINGFIELD, IL62707 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
SOLOMON COLORS INC. SPRINGFIELD, IL62702 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtJackson County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Sangamon County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1974. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Sherman's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 15.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sherman compares by contaminant
Explore where Sherman ranks among all Illinois cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sherman's water comes from
Sherman'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,062 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Sherman
Sherman is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sherman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Hill Estates | MN1270015 | 490 | GW |
| MIDWEST MHP LINDALE LLC | MO1041651 | 250 | GWP |
| HILLVIEW MHP LINDALE LLC | MO1041654 | 222 | GWP |
| TRI LEVEL MHP LINDALE LLC | MO1041653 | 100 | GWP |
How Sherman compares
Full Illinois rankings →Sherman's score of 65.3/100 is above the average of 56/100 among major Illinois cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Illinois rankings →About Sherman, IL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sherman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hennepin
Frequently asked questions
Is Sherman, IL tap water safe to drink?
Sherman's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #777 out of 891 cities tested in Illinois.
What contaminants are in Sherman's water?
Lead was measured at 15.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Sherman'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 Sherman?
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 Sherman's water come from?
Sherman's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,062 residents.
Is Sherman's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sherman 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 12 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 Sherman's water compare to other cities?
Sherman ranks #777 out of 891 cities in Illinois (better than 13% of state cities) and #11537 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.