Is Emmonak, 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 ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Emmonak, AK — Water Quality Report
Emmonak's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 820 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 1235 violations on record, including 135 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved.
What to know about Emmonak's water
Emmonak ranks #49 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it below 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, Emmonak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 269 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Emmonak, AK water safe to drink?
Emmonak's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 820 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Emmonak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Emmonak's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Endothall, BHC-GAMMA, Glyphosate.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Emmonak'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
Emmonak's water system has 1,235 total violations on record, including 135 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved. 269 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Emmonak's water come from?
Emmonak's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 820 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Emmonak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Emmonak'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 Emmonak'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. | 0.9 | 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. | 2.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.500 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Emmonak compares by contaminant
Explore where Emmonak ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Emmonak's water comes from
Emmonak'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 820 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Emmonak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMMONAK WATER SYSTEM | AK2270299 | 820 | SW |
How Emmonak compares
Full Alaska rankings →Emmonak's score of 47/100 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 Emmonak, AK
Wikipedia →Emmonak is a city in Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska, United States. As of the 2020 census, Emmonak had a population of 825.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Emmonak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wade Hampton Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Emmonak, AK tap water safe to drink?
Emmonak's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #49 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Emmonak's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 1235 violations are on record.
How is Emmonak'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 Emmonak?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Emmonak's water come from?
Emmonak's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 820 residents.
What health violations has Emmonak's water system had?
Emmonak has 135 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. 44 violations remain unresolved.
How does Emmonak's water compare to other cities?
Emmonak ranks #49 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 38% of state cities) and #13786 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Emmonak's small water system affect quality?
Emmonak's system serves approximately 820 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 1235 violations on record.