WaterVerge

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 ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: AK2247490
Overall Score
72.1 / 100
Violations
15 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#15 of 79 in Alaska Top 66% nationally
Public/Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
72.1/100
waterverge.com
B- 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.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
72.1 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
30.1/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
12/20
C
Lead at 6.2 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Anchor Point, AK water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

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).

15
Active Violations
6.2 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Anchor Point

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Anchor Point's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Anchor Point's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 6.2 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 5.97 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

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.

OtherMRTT
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Nov 2019 Groundwater Rule Open

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

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Anchor Point's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
6.2 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 41% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
5.97 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

164
Total violations
1
Health-based
15
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

164 Total
15 Active
1 Health-based
149 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
105
Total Coliform Rule
29
Consumer Confidence Rule
8
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2021 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2019 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2016 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2007 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2004 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2003 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2019 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Sep 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2017
Sep 2016 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2017
Oct 2005 Resolved
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Oct 2005 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Showing 20 of 164 violations

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Anchor Point's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 6.2 ppb
Read our guide →
🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 6.2 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 5.97 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.3 ppb from 1993 (12.5 ppb) to 2026 (6.2 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.450 mg/L from 1993 (6.420 mg/L) to 1994 (5.970 mg/L).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Anchor Point compares by contaminant

Explore where Anchor Point ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Public/Private
Population Served
1,000
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Anchor Point's water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Anchor R Nr Anchor Point
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Anchor Point

System Name PWSID Population Source
ANCHOR POINT SAFE WATER CORPORATION AK2247490 1,000 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

Anchor Point (this city)
72.1
Anchorage
38.5
Fairbanks
38.4
Juneau
65.4
Wasilla
42.5
Alaska avg
61
City Profile

About Anchor Point, AK

Economic Profile
$58,357
Median Income
$214,535
Median Home Value
$1,101/mo
Median Rent
10.5%
Unemployment
Community
51.2
Median Age
10
People / sq mi
17.8%
College Educated
82.2%
Homeownership
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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.