Is Shell Rock, IA 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 ↓
87.7/100
waterverge.com Shell Rock, IA — Water Quality Report
Shell Rock's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,269 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.6 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 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Shell Rock's water
Shell Rock ranks #280 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Shell Rock 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 Rock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shell Rock, IA water safe to drink?
Shell Rock's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,269 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shell Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shell Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4421). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shell Rock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shell Rock's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Butler County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Cedar River At Waverly, Cedar River At Janesville, West Fork Cedar River At Finchford, Shell Rock River At Shell Rock, Beaver Creek At New Hartford.
Where does Shell Rock's water come from?
Shell Rock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,269 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cedar River At Waverly (river), Cedar River At Janesville (river), West Fork Cedar River At Finchford (river), Shell Rock River At Shell Rock (river), Beaver Creek At New Hartford (river).
What Shell Rock 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Shell Rock'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Shell Rock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shell Rock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ZINPRO CORP SHELL ROCK, IA50670 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
FELDMEIER EQUIPMENT INC SHELL ROCK, IA50670 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
POET BIOREFINING - SHELL ROCK LLC SHELL ROCK, IA50670 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
UNVERFERTH MANUFACTURING CO INC BRENT DIV SHELL ROCK, IA50670 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
CMI ROADBUILDING INC. WAVERLY, IA50677 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Butler County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 4.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shell Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where Shell Rock ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shell Rock's water comes from
Shell Rock'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 1,269 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Shell Rock
Shell Rock is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shell Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHELL ROCK MUNI WATER SUPP | IA1286042 | 1,269 | GW |
How Shell Rock compares
Full Iowa rankings →Shell Rock's score of 87.7/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Shell Rock, IA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shell Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Butler
Frequently asked questions
Is Shell Rock, IA tap water safe to drink?
Shell Rock's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #280 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Shell Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Shell Rock'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 Rock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shell Rock's water come from?
Shell Rock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,269 residents.
Is Shell Rock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shell Rock 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 2 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 Rock's water compare to other cities?
Shell Rock ranks #280 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 36% of state cities) and #3895 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.
Does Shell Rock's small water system affect quality?
Shell Rock's system serves approximately 1,269 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 2 violations on record.