WaterVerge

Is Shelbina, MO 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 ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: MO2010736
Overall Score
93.3 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#28 of 509 in Missouri Top 6% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
93.3/100
waterverge.com
A 93.3/100

Shelbina, MO — Water Quality Report

Shelbina's drinking water received a grade of A (93.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,771 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 5 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Shelbina's water

Shelbina ranks #28 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

As a small community water system, Shelbina may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
93.3 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Shelbina, MO water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Shelbina's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,771 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

1
Active Violations
1.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Shelbina

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shelbina's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.3/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3232). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-995). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shelbina's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Shelbina's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2012 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2010 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2009 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2009 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Apr 2009 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Shelby County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 North Fork Salt River Near Shelbina, Crooked Creek Near Paris.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3232
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-995
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-779

Where does Shelbina's water come from?

Shelbina's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,771 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include North Fork Salt River Near Shelbina (river), Crooked Creek Near Paris (river).

What Shelbina residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Shelbina'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

5
Total violations
4
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Jan 2012
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

5 Total
1 Active
4 Health-based
4 Resolved
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Jan 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2010 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2010
Oct 2009 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2009
Jul 2009 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2009
Apr 2009 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2009
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Shelbina

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shelbina, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 9 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CERRO FLOW PRODUCTS LLC
Primary Metals · BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC
SHELBINA, MO63468
Copper90.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Shelby County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3232
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #995
Oct 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #779
Nov 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #407

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 7.3 ppb from 1993 (9.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.7 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,771
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Shelbina's water comes from

Surface Water

Shelbina's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,771 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Shelbina

Shelbina is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

North Fork Salt River Near Shelbina
river
Crooked Creek Near Paris
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Shelbina

System Name PWSID Population Source
SHELBINA PWS MO2010736 1,771 SW
Regional Comparison

How Shelbina compares

Full Missouri rankings →

Shelbina's score of 93.3/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Shelbina (this city)
93.3
St. Louis
40.9
Columbia
61.4
Missouri avg
62
City Profile

About Shelbina, MO

Wikipedia →

Shelbina is a city in southern Shelby County, Missouri, United States. The population was 1,613 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$52,050
Median Income
$78,147
Median Home Value
$838/mo
Median Rent
0.9%
Unemployment
Community
37.6
Median Age
358
People / sq mi
16.2%
College Educated
68.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Shelbina, MO tap water safe to drink?

Shelbina's water quality earned a grade of A (93.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #28 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.

What contaminants are in Shelbina's water?

Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.

How is Shelbina'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 Shelbina?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Shelbina's water come from?

Shelbina's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,771 residents.

What health violations has Shelbina's water system had?

Shelbina has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

How does Shelbina's water compare to other cities?

Shelbina ranks #28 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 94% of state cities) and #892 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Shelbina's small water system affect quality?

Shelbina's system serves approximately 1,771 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 5 violations on record.