Is Anchor Point, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.1/100
Anchor Point, AK — Water Quality Report
Anchor Point's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 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 164 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Anchor Point's water
Anchor Point ranks #15 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Anchor Point 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, Anchor Point may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Anchor Point, AK water safe to drink?
Anchor Point's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Anchor Point
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Anchor Point's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Anchor Point'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Anchor Point's water system has 164 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Anchor Point's water come from?
Anchor Point's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Anchor R Nr Anchor Point (river).
What Anchor Point residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Anchor Point'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 Anchor Point'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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 5.97 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Anchor Point compares by contaminant
Explore where Anchor Point ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Anchor Point's water comes from
Anchor Point'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 public/private ownership and serves approximately 1,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Anchor Point
Anchor Point is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Anchor Point
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANCHOR POINT SAFE WATER CORPORATION | AK2247490 | 1,000 | GW |
How Anchor Point compares
Full Alaska rankings →Anchor Point's score of 72.1/100 is above the average of 61/100 among major Alaska cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alaska rankings →About Anchor Point, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Anchor Point's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Kenai Peninsula Borough
Frequently asked questions
Is Anchor Point, AK tap water safe to drink?
Anchor Point's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #15 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Anchor Point's water?
Lead was measured at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile). 164 violations are on record.
How is Anchor Point'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 Anchor Point?
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 Anchor Point's water come from?
Anchor Point's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 residents.
What health violations has Anchor Point's water system had?
Anchor Point 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 Anchor Point's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Anchor Point 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 164 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 Anchor Point's water compare to other cities?
Anchor Point ranks #15 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 81% of state cities) and #10443 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Anchor Point's small water system affect quality?
Anchor Point's system serves approximately 1,000 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 164 violations on record.