Is Sherman, MS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.5/100
waterverge.com Sherman, MS — Water Quality Report
Sherman's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 847 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 140 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sherman's water
Sherman ranks #19 out of 320 cities in Mississippi for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
As a small community water system, Sherman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sherman, MS water safe to drink?
Sherman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 847 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: A- (89.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4626). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3569). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228, Combined Uranium.
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Radium-228, Radium-226.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sherman's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sherman's water system has 140 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Pontotoc County has experienced 5 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 Town Creek.
Where does Sherman's water come from?
Sherman's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 847 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Town 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.
Sherman'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.
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: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MMC MATERIALS INC - SALTILLO PLANT SALTILLO, MS38866 | Lead | 0 | 8.4 mi |
SYNTRON MATERIAL HANDLING LLC SALTILLO, MS38866 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
B & B CONCRETE CO INC TUPELO DIV TUPELO, MS38801 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
TOYOTA MOTOR MANUFACTURING MISSISSIPPI INC BLUE SPRINGS, MS38828 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPontotoc 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Pontotoc County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sherman compares by contaminant
Explore where Sherman ranks among all Mississippi 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 local government ownership and serves approximately 847 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sherman
Sherman is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sherman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF SHERMAN | MS0580008 | 847 | GW |
How Sherman compares
Full Mississippi rankings →Sherman's score of 89.5/100 is above the average of 54/100 among major Mississippi cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Mississippi rankings →About Sherman, MS
Wikipedia →Sherman is a town which straddles Lee, Pontotoc, and Union counties in Mississippi. The population was 600 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sherman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pontotoc
Frequently asked questions
Is Sherman, MS tap water safe to drink?
Sherman's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #19 out of 320 cities tested in Mississippi.
What contaminants are in Sherman's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 140 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?
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 1 water system serving approximately 847 residents.
What health violations has Sherman's water system had?
Sherman has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
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 140 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 #19 out of 320 cities in Mississippi (better than 94% of state cities) and #2811 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sherman's small water system affect quality?
Sherman's system serves approximately 847 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 140 violations on record.