Is Shellsburg, IA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.9/100
waterverge.com Shellsburg, IA — Water Quality Report
Shellsburg's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,186 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 53 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shellsburg's water
Shellsburg ranks #252 out of 436 cities in Iowa for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Shellsburg 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, Shellsburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shellsburg, IA water safe to drink?
Shellsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,186 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shellsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shellsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4289). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3239). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shellsburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shellsburg's water system has 53 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Benton County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Blairs Ferry Road At Palo, Morgan Creek Near Covington.
Where does Shellsburg's water come from?
Shellsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,186 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 Blairs Ferry Road At Palo (river), Morgan Creek Near Covington (river).
What Shellsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shellsburg'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.
Shellsburg'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
Benton County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1965. 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 Shellsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Shellsburg ranks among all Iowa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shellsburg's water comes from
Shellsburg'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 1,186 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Shellsburg
Shellsburg is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shellsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHELLSBURG WATER SUPPLY | IA0670043 | 961 | GW |
| TIMBER RIDGE | IA0600600 | 225 | GUP |
How Shellsburg compares
Full Iowa rankings →Shellsburg's score of 88.9/100 is above the average of 72/100 among major Iowa cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Iowa rankings →About Shellsburg, IA
Wikipedia →Shellsburg is a city in Benton County, Iowa, United States. The population was 961 at the time of the 2020 census. It is part of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shellsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Benton
Frequently asked questions
Is Shellsburg, IA tap water safe to drink?
Shellsburg's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #252 out of 436 cities tested in Iowa.
What contaminants are in Shellsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 53 violations are on record.
How is Shellsburg'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 Shellsburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shellsburg's water come from?
Shellsburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,186 residents.
What health violations has Shellsburg's water system had?
Shellsburg has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shellsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shellsburg 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 53 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 Shellsburg's water compare to other cities?
Shellsburg ranks #252 out of 436 cities in Iowa (better than 42% of state cities) and #3179 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.