Is Shell Knob, MO Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 59 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Shell Knob, MO — Water Quality Report
Shell Knob's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 15 water systems serve approximately 1,875 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 195 violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 59 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shell Knob's water
Shell Knob ranks #480 out of 509 cities in Missouri for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Shell Knob 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, Shell Knob may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 31 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shell Knob, MO water safe to drink?
Shell Knob's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 15 water systems serve approximately 1,875 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shell Knob
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shell Knob's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4317). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4250). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shell Knob's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shell Knob's water system has 195 total violations on record, including 60 health-based violations. 59 remain unresolved. 31 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jasper County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Shoal Creek Above Joplin.
Where does Shell Knob's water come from?
Shell Knob's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 15 water systems serving approximately 1,875 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Shoal Creek Above Joplin (river).
What Shell Knob residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shell Knob'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.
Shell Knob'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
Jasper County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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. | 1.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shell Knob compares by contaminant
Explore where Shell Knob ranks among all Missouri cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shell Knob's water comes from
Shell Knob'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 1,875 people through 15 water systems.
Water bodies near Shell Knob
Shell Knob is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shell Knob
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MO AMERICAN OZARK MTN WATER COMPANY 2 | MO5036163 | 583 | GW |
| MO AMERICAN OZARK MTN WATER COMPANY 1 | MO5036177 | 350 | GW |
| KNOB HILL ACRES | MO5036182 | 125 | GW |
| FOX WOODS SUBDIVISION | MO5036197 | 125 | GW |
| GREEN SHORES SUBD | MO5036102 | 120 | GW |
| OZARK VILLA AT SHELL KNOB | MO5071342 | 110 | GW |
| CRYSTAL BEACH SUBD | MO5031192 | 91 | GW |
| TWIN RIVERS SUBD | MO5036195 | 72 | GW |
| SYCAMORE LANDING ASSN | MO5036253 | 70 | GW |
| MO AMERICAN LAKEWOOD MANOR SUBD | MO5036020 | 50 | GW |
| KINGS RIVER BEACH WATER ASSOCIATION INC | MO5031309 | 50 | GW |
| SHELL ROCK UTILITIES | MO5036168 | 45 | GW |
| BARRY COUNTY PWSD 2 | MO5036196 | 34 | GW |
| CENTRAL CROSSING ACRES II | MO5031380 | 25 | GW |
| GREEN WOODS | MO5251518 | 25 | GW |
How Shell Knob compares
Full Missouri rankings →Shell Knob's score of 47/100 is below the average of 62/100 among major Missouri cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Missouri rankings →About Shell Knob, MO
Wikipedia →Joplin is a city in Jasper and Newton counties in the U.S. state of Missouri. Most of the city lies in Jasper County, with the southern portion extending into Newton County. With a population of 51,762 at the 2020 census, Joplin is the 12th most-populous city in the state. The city covers an area of 38.21 square miles (99.0 km2) on the outer edge of the Ozark Mountains in southwestern Missouri. Joplin is the principal city of the three-county Joplin metropolitan area, which is home to 210,077 people and is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Missouri. In May 2011, a violent EF5 tornado killed more than 150 people and destroyed one-third of the city.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shell Knob's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Shell Knob, MO tap water safe to drink?
Shell Knob's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #480 out of 509 cities tested in Missouri.
What contaminants are in Shell Knob's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 195 violations are on record.
How is Shell Knob'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 Shell Knob?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shell Knob's water come from?
Shell Knob's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 15 water systems serving approximately 1,875 residents.
What health violations has Shell Knob's water system had?
Shell Knob has 60 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 59 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shell Knob's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shell Knob 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 195 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 Shell Knob's water compare to other cities?
Shell Knob ranks #480 out of 509 cities in Missouri (better than 6% of state cities) and #13752 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.