Is Shelby, NE 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 ↓
93.3/100
waterverge.com Shelby, NE — Water Quality Report
Shelby'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 714 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 11 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Shelby's water
Shelby ranks #32 out of 200 cities in Nebraska for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Shelby 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, Shelby may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shelby, NE water safe to drink?
Shelby'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 714 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shelby
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shelby's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4420). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1902). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shelby's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shelby's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Polk County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Shelby's water come from?
Shelby's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 714 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Shelby 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.
Shelby'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 droughtPolk 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
Polk County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shelby compares by contaminant
Explore where Shelby ranks among all Nebraska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shelby's water comes from
Shelby'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 714 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Shelby
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHELBY, VILLAGE OF | NE3114304 | 714 | GW |
How Shelby compares
Full Nebraska rankings →Shelby's score of 93.3/100 is above the average of 66/100 among major Nebraska cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nebraska rankings →About Shelby, NE
Wikipedia →Shelby is a village in Polk County, Nebraska, United States. As of the 2020 census, Shelby had a population of 710. Shelby lies along the north side of U.S. Highway 81 near the eastern edge of Polk County. It is 6 miles (9.7 km) east of Osceola, and just 17 miles (27 km) south and 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Columbus. Nebraska's center of population is near Shelby.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shelby's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Polk
Frequently asked questions
Is Shelby, NE tap water safe to drink?
Shelby'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 #32 out of 200 cities tested in Nebraska.
What contaminants are in Shelby's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Shelby'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 Shelby?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shelby's water come from?
Shelby's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 714 residents.
What health violations has Shelby's water system had?
Shelby has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Shelby's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shelby 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 11 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 Shelby's water compare to other cities?
Shelby ranks #32 out of 200 cities in Nebraska (better than 84% of state cities) and #903 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 Shelby's small water system affect quality?
Shelby's system serves approximately 714 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 11 violations on record.