Is Sherwood Forest, MD Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.6/100
waterverge.com Sherwood Forest, MD — Water Quality Report
Sherwood Forest's drinking water received a grade of A (91.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Sherwood Forest's water
Sherwood Forest ranks #6 out of 107 cities in Maryland for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Sherwood Forest 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, Sherwood Forest may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sherwood Forest, MD water safe to drink?
Sherwood Forest's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sherwood Forest
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sherwood Forest's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4091). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3349). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sherwood Forest's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sherwood Forest's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Patuxent River Below Brighton Dam Near Brighton, Hawlings River, Patuxent River Near Laurel, L Pax Riv Trib Above Wilde Lake, Potomac River.
Where does Sherwood Forest's water come from?
Sherwood Forest's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Patuxent River Below Brighton Dam Near Brighton (river), Hawlings River (river), Patuxent River Near Laurel (river), L Pax Riv Trib Above Wilde Lake (river), Potomac River (river).
What Sherwood Forest residents can do
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.
Sherwood Forest'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAnne Arundel 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
Montgomery County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sherwood Forest compares by contaminant
Explore where Sherwood Forest ranks among all Maryland cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sherwood Forest's water comes from
Sherwood Forest'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 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sherwood Forest
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHERWOOD FOREST WATER COMPANY | MD0020035 | 1,200 | GW |
How Sherwood Forest compares
Full Maryland rankings →Sherwood Forest's score of 91.6/100 is above the average of 60/100 among major Maryland cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Maryland rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sherwood Forest's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Anne Arundel
Frequently asked questions
Is Sherwood Forest, MD tap water safe to drink?
Sherwood Forest's water quality earned a grade of A (91.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #6 out of 107 cities tested in Maryland.
What contaminants are in Sherwood Forest's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Sherwood Forest'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 Sherwood Forest?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sherwood Forest's water come from?
Sherwood Forest's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
Is Sherwood Forest's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sherwood Forest 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 3 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 Sherwood Forest's water compare to other cities?
Sherwood Forest ranks #6 out of 107 cities in Maryland (better than 94% of state cities) and #1603 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sherwood Forest's small water system affect quality?
Sherwood Forest's system serves approximately 1,200 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 3 violations on record.