Is Craig, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.7/100
waterverge.com Craig, AK — Water Quality Report
Craig's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,475 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.6 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 117 violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Craig's water
Craig ranks #19 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Craig may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Craig, AK water safe to drink?
Craig's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,475 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Craig
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Craig's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.7/100).
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Craig's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Craig's water system has 117 total violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Craig's water come from?
Craig's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,475 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Craig residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Craig'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. | 4.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Craig compares by contaminant
Explore where Craig ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Craig's water comes from
Craig's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by native american ownership and serves approximately 1,475 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Craig
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRAIG PUBLIC WORKS | AK2120193 | 1,475 | SW |
How Craig compares
Full Alaska rankings →Craig's score of 67.7/100 is above the average of 61/100 among major Alaska cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alaska rankings →About Craig, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Craig's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Craig, AK tap water safe to drink?
Craig's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #19 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Craig's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 117 violations are on record.
How is Craig'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 Craig?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Craig's water come from?
Craig's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,475 residents.
What health violations has Craig's water system had?
Craig has 38 health-based violations 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Craig's water compare to other cities?
Craig ranks #19 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 76% of state cities) and #11199 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Craig's small water system affect quality?
Craig's system serves approximately 1,475 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 117 violations on record.