Is Shelbyville, MI Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.6/100
waterverge.com Shelbyville, MI — Water Quality Report
Shelbyville's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 540 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 73 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shelbyville's water
Shelbyville ranks #179 out of 520 cities in Michigan for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Shelbyville 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, Shelbyville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shelbyville, MI water safe to drink?
Shelbyville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 540 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shelbyville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shelbyville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4121). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3225). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shelbyville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shelbyville's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Allegan County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Rabbit River.
Where does Shelbyville's water come from?
Shelbyville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 540 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rabbit River (river).
What Shelbyville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shelbyville's water.
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.
Shelbyville'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
Flood & disaster history
Allegan County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shelbyville compares by contaminant
Explore where Shelbyville ranks among all Michigan cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shelbyville's water comes from
Shelbyville'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 540 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Shelbyville
Shelbyville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shelbyville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIVERVIEW MOBILE VILLAGE | MI0040288 | 392 | GW |
| GUN LAKE MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY | MI0040044 | 148 | GW |
How Shelbyville compares
Full Michigan rankings →Shelbyville's score of 87.6/100 is above the average of 70/100 among major Michigan cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Michigan rankings →About Shelbyville, MI
Wikipedia →Wayland Township is a civil township of Allegan County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,573 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shelbyville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kent
Frequently asked questions
Is Shelbyville, MI tap water safe to drink?
Shelbyville's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #179 out of 520 cities tested in Michigan.
What contaminants are in Shelbyville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 73 violations are on record.
How is Shelbyville'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 Shelbyville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shelbyville's water come from?
Shelbyville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 540 residents.
What health violations has Shelbyville's water system had?
Shelbyville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shelbyville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shelbyville 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 73 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 Shelbyville's water compare to other cities?
Shelbyville ranks #179 out of 520 cities in Michigan (better than 66% of state cities) and #3968 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.