Is Chefornak, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Chefornak, AK — Water Quality Report
Chefornak's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 513 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 317 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chefornak's water
Chefornak ranks #40 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Chefornak 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.
As a small community water system, Chefornak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 91 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chefornak, AK water safe to drink?
Chefornak's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 513 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chefornak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chefornak's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chefornak's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chefornak's water system has 317 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 91 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Chefornak's water come from?
Chefornak's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 513 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Chefornak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chefornak'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chefornak compares by contaminant
Explore where Chefornak ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chefornak's water comes from
Chefornak'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 513 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Chefornak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEFORNAK WATER SYSTEM | AK2270338 | 513 | GW |
How Chefornak compares
Full Alaska rankings →Chefornak's score of 50/100 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 Chefornak, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chefornak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bethel Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Chefornak, AK tap water safe to drink?
Chefornak's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #40 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Chefornak's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 317 violations are on record.
How is Chefornak'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 Chefornak?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chefornak's water come from?
Chefornak's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 513 residents.
What health violations has Chefornak's water system had?
Chefornak has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chefornak's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chefornak 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 317 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 Chefornak's water compare to other cities?
Chefornak ranks #40 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 49% of state cities) and #13201 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chefornak's small water system affect quality?
Chefornak's system serves approximately 513 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 317 violations on record.