Is Fort Yukon, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
44.5/100
waterverge.com Fort Yukon, AK — Water Quality Report
Fort Yukon's drinking water received a grade of F (44.5 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 665 residents using ground water under influence.
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 467 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Yukon's water
Fort Yukon ranks #67 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Fort Yukon 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, Fort Yukon may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Yukon, AK water safe to drink?
Fort Yukon's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 665 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Yukon
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Yukon's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44.5/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fort Yukon'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
Fort Yukon's water system has 467 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Fort Yukon's water come from?
Fort Yukon's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 665 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fort Yukon residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Yukon'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
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Fort Yukon'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. | 4.6 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Yukon compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Yukon ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Yukon's water comes from
Fort Yukon'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 native american ownership and serves approximately 665 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fort Yukon
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FT. YUKON PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM | AK2360256 | 665 | GU |
How Fort Yukon compares
Full Alaska rankings →Fort Yukon's score of 44.5/100 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 Fort Yukon, AK
Wikipedia →Fort Yukon is a village in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska, straddling the Arctic Circle. The population, predominantly Gwichʼin Alaska Natives, was 428 at the 2020 census, down from 595 in 2000.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Yukon's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Yukon, AK tap water safe to drink?
Fort Yukon's water quality earned a grade of F (44.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #67 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Fort Yukon's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 467 violations are on record.
How is Fort Yukon'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 Fort Yukon?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Yukon's water come from?
Fort Yukon's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 665 residents.
What health violations has Fort Yukon's water system had?
Fort Yukon has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort Yukon's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Yukon 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 467 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 Fort Yukon's water compare to other cities?
Fort Yukon ranks #67 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 15% of state cities) and #14375 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fort Yukon's small water system affect quality?
Fort Yukon's system serves approximately 665 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 467 violations on record.