Is Delta Junction, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
32/100
waterverge.com Delta Junction, AK — Water Quality Report
Delta Junction's drinking water received a grade of F (32 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,573 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 21.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 606 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Delta Junction's water
Delta Junction ranks #79 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Delta Junction 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Delta Junction may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Delta Junction, AK water safe to drink?
Delta Junction's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (32/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,573 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Delta Junction
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Delta Junction's water quality assessment. Grade: F (32/100).
4 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Delta Junction's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Delta Junction's water system has 606 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Delta Junction's water come from?
Delta Junction's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,573 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tanana R (river), Chena R (river).
What Delta Junction residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Delta Junction'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Delta Junction
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Delta Junction, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 363,383 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
POGO MINE DELTA JUNCTION, AK99737 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 363,383 | 2.9 mi |
DOYON UTILITIES FT GREELY AK FORT GREELY, AK99731 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Delta Junction'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. | 21.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 3.08 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Delta Junction compares by contaminant
Explore where Delta Junction ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Delta Junction's water comes from
Delta Junction'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 1,573 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Delta Junction
Delta Junction is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Delta Junction
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FT. GREELY - MAIN POST | AK2370780 | 1,257 | GW |
| WHITESTONE FARMS TABERNACLE | AK2372075 | 210 | GW |
| LIVING WORD MINISTRY | AK2380329 | 62 | GW |
| LARRYS APARTMENTS | AK2370879 | 44 | GW |
How Delta Junction compares
Full Alaska rankings →Delta Junction's score of 32/100 is below the average of 61/100 among major Alaska cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Alaska rankings →About Delta Junction, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Delta Junction's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Delta Junction, AK tap water safe to drink?
Delta Junction's water quality earned a grade of F (32/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #79 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Delta Junction's water?
Lead was measured at 21.0 ppb (90th percentile). 606 violations are on record.
How is Delta Junction'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 Delta Junction?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Delta Junction's water come from?
Delta Junction's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,573 residents.
What health violations has Delta Junction's water system had?
Delta Junction has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 38 violations remain unresolved.
Is Delta Junction's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Delta Junction 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 606 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 Delta Junction's water compare to other cities?
Delta Junction ranks #79 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 0% of state cities) and #15638 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.