Is Copper Center, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48/100
waterverge.com Copper Center, AK — Water Quality Report
Copper Center's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 646 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 1239 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved.
What to know about Copper Center's water
Copper Center ranks #47 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Copper Center 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, Copper Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Copper Center, AK water safe to drink?
Copper Center's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 646 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Copper Center
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Copper Center's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Copper Center's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Copper Center's water system has 1,239 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Copper Center's water come from?
Copper Center's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 646 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tazlina R Nr Glennallen (river).
What Copper Center residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Copper Center'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
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Copper Center'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. | 0.2 | 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. | 4.86 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Copper Center compares by contaminant
Explore where Copper Center ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Copper Center's water comes from
Copper Center'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 646 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Copper Center
Copper Center is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Copper Center
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KENNY LAKE COMMUNITY WELL | AK2291596 | 236 | GW |
| KENNY LAKE FIRE HALL | AK2292330 | 200 | GW |
| MENTASTA WASHETERIA/14 PLEX | AK2381498 | 90 | GW |
| CRBRHA CHITINA HUD HOUSING | AK2299001 | 50 | GW |
| CRNA WATER HAUL TRUCK | AK2299027 | 40 | GWP |
| CRBRHA MCKINLEY BLDG WATER SUPPLY | AK2292186 | 30 | GW |
How Copper Center compares
Full Alaska rankings →Copper Center's score of 48/100 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 Copper Center, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Copper Center's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Valdez-Cordova Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Copper Center, AK tap water safe to drink?
Copper Center's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #47 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Copper Center's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 1239 violations are on record.
How is Copper Center'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 Copper Center?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Copper Center's water come from?
Copper Center's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 646 residents.
What health violations has Copper Center's water system had?
Copper Center has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 57 violations remain unresolved.
Is Copper Center's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Copper Center 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 1239 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 Copper Center's water compare to other cities?
Copper Center ranks #47 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 41% of state cities) and #13547 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.