Is Fagasa, AS Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.6/100
Fagasa, AS — Water Quality Report
Fagasa's drinking water received a grade of B (77.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 577 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 35 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fagasa's water
Fagasa ranks #1 out of 2 cities in American Samoa for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Fagasa 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, Fagasa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fagasa, AS water safe to drink?
Fagasa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 577 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fagasa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fagasa's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.6/100).
Contaminants: Asbestos.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Gross Beta Particle Activity, Nitrate.
Contaminants: Nitrate, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fagasa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fagasa's water system has 35 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Fagasa's water come from?
Fagasa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 577 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fagasa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fagasa'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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fagasa compares by contaminant
Explore where Fagasa ranks among all American Samoa cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fagasa's water comes from
Fagasa'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 state ownership and serves approximately 577 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fagasa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fagasa ASG | AS9711356 | 577 | GW |
How Fagasa compares
Full American Samoa rankings →Fagasa's score of 77.6/100 is above the average of 42/100 among major American Samoa cities. It outscores 1 of 1 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View American Samoa rankings →About Fagasa, AS
Wikipedia →Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa. It is in Maoputasi County on Tutuila, the main island of American Samoa.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fagasa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Western District
Frequently asked questions
Is Fagasa, AS tap water safe to drink?
Fagasa's water quality earned a grade of B (77.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #1 out of 2 cities tested in American Samoa.
What contaminants are in Fagasa's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 35 violations are on record.
How is Fagasa'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 Fagasa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fagasa's water come from?
Fagasa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 577 residents.
Is Fagasa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fagasa 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 35 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 Fagasa's water compare to other cities?
Fagasa ranks #1 out of 2 cities in American Samoa (better than 50% of state cities) and #8948 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fagasa's small water system affect quality?
Fagasa's system serves approximately 577 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 35 violations on record.