Is Sheridan, WY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Yes, Sheridan tap water is safe to drink. Hardness is low at 100 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here don't need treatment.
Hardness Scale: Where Sheridan Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Sheridan Compares
Sheridan's water is 28% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 56% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Wyoming, it ranks #6 of 7 cities (40% below the state average of 168 PPM). Among smaller cities, Sheridan ranks #134 of 288 for hardness.
What Sheridan's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 100 PPM - Low Concern
Sheridan's water is firmly in the moderate range at 100 PPM. You'll see some spotting on glassware and a film on shower doors over time, but it's not the kind of hardness that demands a full softener. A salt-free conditioner is worth considering if you have a tankless water heater or high-end fixtures.
Contaminants & Safety
Disinfection byproducts are the notable finding here. Sheridan's water has TTHMs at 46.8 ppb and HAA5 at 38.3 ppb — both within legal limits, but the EWG health guidelines are far stricter. These byproducts form when chlorine reacts with organic matter during treatment. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and its byproducts. Want the full picture? Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report.
What's in the Treatment Process
Sheridan's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 46.8 ppb (59% of the legal limit, but 312x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 38.3 ppb (64% of the legal limit, but 383x the EWG guideline). These are within legal limits, but the EWG sets much tighter thresholds based on cancer-risk research. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and byproducts.
Chromium-6 was detected at 0.152 ppb, which is 7.6x the EWG health guideline. There's no separate federal limit for chromium-6, only total chromium. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective removal method. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 100 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 146 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 0 ppt | — | No total limit | ✓ ND |
| ↳ PFOA | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| ↳ PFOS | 0 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 4 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.1 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | Not reported | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | N/A |
Recommendations for Sheridan Homes
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.1 mg/L chlorine, many Sheridan residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in Sheridan
City-wide data is a solid starting point, but your specific tap might differ based on plumbing age, distance from the treatment plant, or seasonal changes.
Free option: Request City of Sheridan Water's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
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About Sheridan's Water Supply
Water Utility: City of Sheridan Water
Water Source: Big Goose Creek (Surface Water)
Population Served: 22,700
Hardness: 100 PPM (5.8 grains per gallon)
Sheridan's drinking water comes from surface sources — Big Goose Creek. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 23,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request City of Sheridan Water's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by City of Sheridan Water in Sheridan, WY, including ZIP codes:
59003, 59004, 59012, 59016, 59025, 59043, 59050, 59062, 59089, 59301, 59323, 59333, 59338, 59343, 59351, 82410, 82411, 82422, 82426, 82428, 82432, 82434, 82441, 82442, 82801, 82832, 82833, 82834, 82835, 82836, 82837, 82838, 82839, 82840, 82842, 82844, 82845
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Sheridan to Other Wyoming Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheridan Water
Is Sheridan tap water safe to drink?
Where does Sheridan's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Sheridan?
What is the hardness of Sheridan water in grains per gallon?
What are disinfection byproducts in Sheridan's water?
Is chromium-6 in Sheridan's water?
Why does Sheridan water taste like chlorine?
Can I drink Sheridan tap water straight from the faucet?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What Sheridan Homeowners Actually Buy
Common purchases for homes with 100 PPM water.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Sheridan's water data.