Shelbyville, TN: 24 Health Violations — 58/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Shelbyville, TN: mid-range safety grade, uneven compliance across service areas.
How Shelbyville Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Shelbyville Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 30 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.13 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Shelbyville
Structurally, Shelbyville, TN's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 8 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 3 ZIP codes in Shelbyville, Tennessee (population ~36,422), covering 8 community water systems serving approximately 104,058 people region-wide.
3 of 3 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 24 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Shelbyville: C (58/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Shelbyville water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0800 | Other | 20 | 3 |
| Contaminant 1008 | Other | 12 | 3 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 3 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 3 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37160 | C | 10 | 8 | Shelbyville Water System |
| 37161 | C | 10 | 8 | Shelbyville Water System |
| 37162 | C | 10 | 8 | Shelbyville Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Shelbyville
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Shelbyville
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Shelbyville
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Shelbyville: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Property value and cost data for Shelbyville produce a moderate remediation-share classification — a level where advance financial planning has real practical value and the commitment is realistic for most homeowners who approach it deliberately.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Shelbyville. The estimated $1,900–$4,700 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 15% above the Tennessee average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Shelbyville
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Shelbyville appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Shelbyville
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Shelbyville shows a moderate flood record — 26 claims and 67% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Shelbyville has a moderate flood history with 26 FEMA claims averaging $10,044 per payout. 67% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,000</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Shelbyville
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Contaminant 0800 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Shelbyville's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Shelbyville, TN