Sheridan Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)
Water Hardness
10.9 grains per gallon
Source
reservoir
pH Level
8.3
neutral = 7.0
Lead
0.008 mg/L
✓ Below action level
TDS
469 mg/L
Est. Daily Cost
$0.50
energy & soap waste
Source: USGS Water Quality Portal · Updated 2026
0–60
mg/L
Soft
61–120
mg/L
Moderately Hard
121–180
mg/L
Hard
180+
mg/L
Very Hard
Appliance Damage Report
In Sheridan, your appliances are currently losing 25% efficiency due to mineral buildup.
| Appliance | In Sheridan | Soft Water City | Efficiency Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettle | 3.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs | -60% |
| Washing Machine | 6.7 yrs | 12 yrs | -44% |
| Water Heater | 8.1 yrs | 15 yrs | -46% |
Regional Water Comparison
How Sheridan compares to its nearest neighbours
| City | Hardness | PFAS (ppt) | Risk | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sheridan, Wyoming | 186.5 mg/L | 2.6 ppt | 🔴 Very Hard | reservoir |
| Gillette, Wyoming | 73 mg/L | 1.3 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Billings, Montana | 60 mg/L | 1.4 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Casper, Wyoming | 62 mg/L | 1.2 ppt | 🟡 Moderately Hard | reservoir |
| Laramie, Wyoming | 163.5 mg/L | 2.3 ppt | 🟠 Hard | reservoir |
National Benchmark
How Sheridan compares to the USA average
| Benchmark | Hardness | Appliance Risk |
|---|---|---|
| ▶ Sheridan | 186.5 mg/L | 🔴 High |
| USA National Avg | 150 mg/L | 🟠 Moderate |
| Badger Top Rated | 8.5 mg/L | 🟢 None |
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What Makes Sheridan's Water Unique?
Local geology and source profile
Sheridan, Wyoming, in Sheridan County — the Sheridan County seat adjacent to Ranchester and Big Horn at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains in northern Wyoming — receives its municipal water from the Sheridan Municipal Water Division, drawing from Lake DeSmet (Tongue River watershed, Johnson County) or the Tongue River through the Sheridan treatment plant.
The hard 186.5 mg/L hardness and elevated TDS of 469 mg/L reflect the Bighorn Mountain watershed's Paleozoic carbonate character. The Tongue River drains the western Bighorn Mountains — Precambrian Bighorn Gneiss (insoluble crystalline core), Ordovician Bighorn Dolomite (major regional carbonate aquifer contributor), and Mississippian Madison Limestone (the dominant carbonate formation of the Bighorn Mountains — very high calcium-magnesium dissolution). The Madison Limestone is the primary hardness source for all Bighorn Mountain watershed supplies.
At 186.5 mg/L, Sheridan's water is hard — scale builds steadily in kettles and appliances, dishwashers benefit from rinse aid, and water heaters should be descaled annually. Monthly descaling of frequently used appliances is recommended. The PFAS level of 2.6 ppt is relatively low — the relatively remote Bighorn Mountain watershed has limited industrial PFAS sources, though Warren Air Force Base (Laramie County — AFFF in the Laramie-Platte watershed) and the Wyoming PFAS background contribute at trace levels.
Geology & Source: Sheridan in Sheridan County draws from Sheridan Municipal Water on the Tongue River watershed (Sheridan County, Wyoming) — the Tongue drains the Bighorn Mountains (Precambrian Bighorn Gneiss, Ordovician Bighorn Dolomite, Mississippian Madison Limestone) — Wyoming Bighorn Mountains Paleozoic carbonate watershed produces hard water at 186.5 mg/L with TDS 469 mg/L in this Sheridan County Wyoming city.