Is Chevak, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
52.7/100
waterverge.com Chevak, AK — Water Quality Report
Chevak's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 938 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.9 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 249 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chevak's water
Chevak ranks #29 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Chevak 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, Chevak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chevak, AK water safe to drink?
Chevak's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 938 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chevak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chevak's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52.7/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chevak's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chevak's water system has 249 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Chevak's water come from?
Chevak's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 938 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Chevak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chevak'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
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. | 4.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chevak compares by contaminant
Explore where Chevak ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chevak's water comes from
Chevak'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 938 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Chevak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEVAK WATER SYSTEM | AK2270320 | 938 | GW |
How Chevak compares
Full Alaska rankings →Chevak's score of 52.7/100 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 Chevak, AK
Wikipedia →Chevak is a city in Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska, United States. At the 2020 census the population was 951, up from 938 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chevak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wade Hampton Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Chevak, AK tap water safe to drink?
Chevak's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #29 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Chevak's water?
Lead was measured at 4.9 ppb (90th percentile). 249 violations are on record.
How is Chevak'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 Chevak?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chevak's water come from?
Chevak's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 938 residents.
What health violations has Chevak's water system had?
Chevak has 2 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chevak's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chevak 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 249 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 Chevak's water compare to other cities?
Chevak ranks #29 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 63% of state cities) and #12750 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chevak's small water system affect quality?
Chevak's system serves approximately 938 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 249 violations on record.