Is Akiachak, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Akiachak, AK — Water Quality Report
Akiachak's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 627 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 284 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Akiachak's water
Akiachak ranks #61 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Akiachak 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Akiachak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 132 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Akiachak, AK water safe to drink?
Akiachak's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 627 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Akiachak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Akiachak's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: HEXACHLOROBENZENE, Endothall, Dinoseb.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, OXAMYL, Heptachlor epoxide.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Dalapon, 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Akiachak's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Akiachak's water system has 284 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved. 132 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Akiachak's water come from?
Akiachak's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 627 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Akiachak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Akiachak'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Akiachak's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 6.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Akiachak compares by contaminant
Explore where Akiachak ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Akiachak's water comes from
Akiachak'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 627 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Akiachak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AKIACHAK WATER SYSTEM | AK2272747 | 627 | GW |
How Akiachak compares
Full Alaska rankings →Akiachak's score of 46/100 is below the average of 61/100 among major Alaska cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Alaska rankings →About Akiachak, AK
Wikipedia →Akiachak is a census-designated place (CDP) in the Bethel Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. The population was 677 in the 2020 census, up from 627 in 2010, and 585 in 2000.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Akiachak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bethel Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Akiachak, AK tap water safe to drink?
Akiachak's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #61 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Akiachak's water?
Lead was measured at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile). 284 violations are on record.
How is Akiachak'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 Akiachak?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Akiachak's water come from?
Akiachak's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 627 residents.
What health violations has Akiachak's water system had?
Akiachak has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Akiachak's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Akiachak 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 284 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 Akiachak's water compare to other cities?
Akiachak ranks #61 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 23% of state cities) and #14084 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Akiachak's small water system affect quality?
Akiachak's system serves approximately 627 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 284 violations on record.