F0/100
Shelby Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,998 residents · Mississippi
What's In Shelby's Tap Water?
21
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2025 – July 11, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Reporting violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 17, 2024 – April 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – April 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
CITY OF SHELBY
Population Served
1,998
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MS0060019
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelby Water
Is Shelby tap water safe to drink?
Shelby, Mississippi tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 198 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Shelby's water?
21 contaminants were tested in Shelby's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Shelby have any water quality violations?
Yes, Shelby has 198 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Shelby?
Shelby water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Shelby's tap water come from?
Shelby's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CITY OF SHELBY. The system serves approximately 1,998 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Shelby's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Shelby's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Shelby's water compare to other cities in Mississippi?
Shelby's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Mississippi state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Shelby's water quality?
If you have concerns about Shelby's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CITY OF SHELBY) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.