Is Chugiak, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 134 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Chugiak, AK — Water Quality Report
Chugiak's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 836 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 2375 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 134 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chugiak's water
Chugiak ranks #37 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Chugiak 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, Chugiak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 460 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chugiak, AK water safe to drink?
Chugiak'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 10 water systems serve approximately 836 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chugiak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chugiak's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, OXAMYL.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chugiak's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chugiak's water system has 2,375 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 134 remain unresolved. 460 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Chugiak's water come from?
Chugiak's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 836 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ship C Nr Anchorage (river).
What Chugiak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chugiak'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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chugiak compares by contaminant
Explore where Chugiak ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chugiak's water comes from
Chugiak'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 private ownership and serves approximately 836 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Chugiak
Chugiak is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chugiak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOREST PARK TC | AK2210794 | 175 | GW |
| OASIS WATER - MCKINLEY VIEW DIV | AK2210697 | 130 | GW |
| BIRCHWOOD MHP | AK2213297 | 120 | GW |
| TROLL KNOLL S/D | AK2210778 | 99 | GW |
| PETERS CREEK TERRACE | AK2211473 | 70 | GW |
| BEAR MOUNTAIN CONDO ASSN. | AK2213239 | 65 | GW |
| PETERS CREEK MANOR APTS | AK2213768 | 48 | GW |
| PETERS CREEK TERRACE APTS. | AK2213530 | 48 | GW |
| EKLUTNA GATE | AK2213019 | 45 | GW |
| SKY MANOR WELLHOUSE | AK2218807 | 36 | GW |
How Chugiak compares
Full Alaska rankings →Chugiak'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 Chugiak, AK
Wikipedia →Chugiak is an unincorporated community in the Municipality of Anchorage in the U.S. state of Alaska, situated approximately 20 miles (32 km) northeast of downtown Anchorage.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chugiak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Anchorage Municipality
Frequently asked questions
Is Chugiak, AK tap water safe to drink?
Chugiak's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #37 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Chugiak's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 2375 violations are on record.
How is Chugiak'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 Chugiak?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chugiak's water come from?
Chugiak's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 836 residents.
What health violations has Chugiak's water system had?
Chugiak has 12 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. 134 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chugiak's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chugiak 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 2375 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 Chugiak's water compare to other cities?
Chugiak ranks #37 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 53% of state cities) and #13169 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.