Drinking Water Safety Report for Shelbyville, TN - July 5, 2025

Executive Summary

This report assesses the safety of drinking water in Shelbyville, Tennessee, as of July 5, 2025, based on available data from regulatory agencies, water utilities, and environmental studies. The primary water utility serving Shelbyville is the Shelbyville Water System, which sources water from the Duck River. The water undergoes treatment and regular testing to comply with federal and state regulations, including those set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Overall, Shelbyville’s drinking water meets federal health-based standards, but concerns about contaminants such as trihalomethanes (TTHMs), haloacetic acids (HAA5), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) persist. Residents are advised to stay informed through annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) and consider filtration systems for additional safety.

Water Source and Treatment

Shelbyville’s drinking water is sourced from the Duck River, a critical water supply for Middle Tennessee. The Shelbyville Water Treatment Plant processes this surface water using conventional treatment methods, including coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection (primarily chlorination). The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has rated the Duck River as moderately susceptible to contamination due to potential agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and urban development in the watershed.

The treatment process is designed to remove or reduce contaminants to levels compliant with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The plant is equipped to treat up to 12 million gallons per day (MGD), with average daily usage in 2024 reported at approximately 8.5 MGD, based on data from comparable systems in the region.

Regulatory Compliance

The Shelbyville Water System is subject to strict oversight by the EPA and TDEC, which mandate regular testing for over 150 contaminants, including microbial pathogens, chemical pollutants, and disinfection byproducts. According to the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) data available for 2024, the Shelbyville Water System was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2024. No violations of Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) were reported for primary contaminants such as lead, copper, or microbial pathogens.

The EPA’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO) database confirms that Shelbyville’s water utility has maintained a strong compliance record, with no significant health-based violations noted in the latest 2024 assessment (April–June 2024). However, monitoring and reporting requirements are ongoing, and minor administrative violations, such as late reporting, may occur without impacting water safety.

Contaminant Concerns

While Shelbyville’s drinking water meets regulatory standards, some contaminants have been detected at levels that raise health concerns, though they remain below legal limits. Key contaminants of note include:

1. Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs): TTHMs, formed as byproducts of chlorine disinfection, were detected in Shelbyville’s water at levels averaging 45–60 parts per billion (ppb) in 2024, below the EPA’s MCL of 80 ppb. TTHMs are linked to potential health risks, including bladder cancer and fetal development issues, when exposure exceeds health-based guidelines over time.

2. Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): HAA5, another disinfection byproduct, was detected at levels averaging 20–30 ppb, below the EPA’s MCL of 60 ppb. These compounds are associated with reproductive and developmental health risks at elevated levels.

3. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” have been a growing concern in Tennessee due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including cancer and immune system effects. While Shelbyville-specific PFAS data is limited, regional studies in Northeast Tennessee detected PFAS in 60% of tested rivers and lakes, including water sources feeding municipal systems. The Duck River has not been specifically identified as a PFAS hotspot, but TDEC is conducting a statewide study to assess PFAS contamination, with results expected to inform future regulations.

4. Lead and Copper: Lead and copper levels in Shelbyville’s water have consistently been below the EPA’s action levels (15 ppb for lead, 1.3 ppm for copper) due to corrosion control measures. Residents with older homes containing lead pipes or fixtures are advised to flush cold water for 2–3 minutes before use to minimize exposure.

Recent Developments

• 2024 EPA PFAS Regulation: In 2024, the EPA introduced new regulations requiring water utilities to monitor and reduce PFAS levels in drinking water. The Shelbyville Water System is expected to comply with these standards, with support from TDEC and research initiatives like Vanderbilt University’s Drinking Water Justice Lab, which is developing tools to identify at-risk communities.

• TDEC Source Water Assessment: TDEC’s Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) rates the Duck River as moderately susceptible to contamination, primarily due to agricultural runoff and upstream industrial activities. Shelbyville’s water utility is working with TDEC to enhance source water protection measures.

• Boil Water Advisories: No boil water advisories were in effect for Shelbyville as of July 5, 2025. However, regional advisories were issued in Upper East Tennessee following Hurricane Helene in September 2024, indicating potential vulnerabilities in water infrastructure during extreme weather events.

Public Health and Safety Recommendations

While Shelbyville’s drinking water is considered safe under current regulations, residents can take additional steps to ensure safety:

• Review Annual CCRs: The Shelbyville Water System publishes its CCR annually, detailing water quality test results. Residents can access the 2024 CCR at the Bedford County Utility District office (1104 Madison St, Shelbyville, TN) or online at their website.

• Use Water Filters: For added protection against TTHMs, HAA5, and PFAS, residents may consider NSF-certified water filters (e.g., activated carbon or reverse osmosis systems). The Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides guidance on selecting effective filters.

• Proper Medication Disposal: Flushing medications can introduce contaminants into water sources. Residents should use TDEC’s pharmaceutical take-back bins to dispose of unused medications safely.

• Stay Informed: Contact the Shelbyville Water System at (931) 684-7171 or TDEC’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 for updates on water quality.

Conclusion

As of July 5, 2025, Shelbyville’s drinking water meets federal and state safety standards, with no reported health-based violations. The Shelbyville Water System’s treatment processes and compliance with EPA and TDEC regulations ensure a reliable supply of potable water. However, the presence of disinfection byproducts (TTHMs and HAA5) and emerging concerns about PFAS highlight the need for continued vigilance. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official reports, consider filtration options, and support efforts to protect the Duck River watershed. Ongoing research and regulatory updates will further enhance the safety of Shelbyville’s drinking water in the future.

References

• Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).

• Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database.

• Clarksville Gas & Water Department 2024 Water Quality Report.

• Tennessee Lookout: PFAS in Northeast Tennessee.

• Vanderbilt University Drinking Water Justice Lab.

• TDEC Boil Water Advisories.

• EWG Contaminant Report for Tennessee.

• TDEC Drinking Water Program.