C40/100
Shelbyville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 57,680 residents · Tennessee
What's In Shelbyville's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2007.
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
BEDFORD COUNTY U.D.
Population Served
22,908
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000517
SHELBYVILLE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
34,772
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
TN0000628
Frequently Asked Questions About Shelbyville Water
Is Shelbyville tap water safe to drink?
Shelbyville, Tennessee tap water receives a grade of C (40/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 50 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Shelbyville's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Shelbyville's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Shelbyville have any water quality violations?
Yes, Shelbyville has 50 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MRDL, TT, Other. 28 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Shelbyville?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Shelbyville is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Shelbyville's tap water come from?
Shelbyville's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BEDFORD COUNTY U.D. and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 57,680 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Shelbyville'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. Shelbyville'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 Shelbyville's water compare to other cities in Tennessee?
Shelbyville's water quality score of 40/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Tennessee state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Shelbyville's water quality?
If you have concerns about Shelbyville'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 (BEDFORD COUNTY U.D.) 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.