Is Gambell, 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 ↓
46.5/100
waterverge.com Gambell, AK — Water Quality Report
Gambell's drinking water received a grade of D (46.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 669 residents using ground water under influence.
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 559 violations on record, including 91 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gambell's water
Gambell ranks #54 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Gambell 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, Gambell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 64 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gambell, AK water safe to drink?
Gambell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 669 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gambell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gambell's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46.5/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gambell'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
Gambell's water system has 559 total violations on record, including 91 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 64 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Gambell's water come from?
Gambell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 669 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Gambell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gambell'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 Gambell'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. | 0.7 | 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. | 2.15 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gambell compares by contaminant
Explore where Gambell ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gambell's water comes from
Gambell'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 669 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Gambell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAMBELL WATER SYSTEM | AK2340751 | 669 | GU |
How Gambell compares
Full Alaska rankings →Gambell's score of 46.5/100 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 Gambell, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gambell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nome Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Gambell, AK tap water safe to drink?
Gambell's water quality earned a grade of D (46.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #54 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Gambell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 559 violations are on record.
How is Gambell'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 Gambell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gambell's water come from?
Gambell's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 669 residents.
What health violations has Gambell's water system had?
Gambell has 91 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. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gambell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gambell 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 559 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 Gambell's water compare to other cities?
Gambell ranks #54 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 32% of state cities) and #13871 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 Gambell's small water system affect quality?
Gambell's system serves approximately 669 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 559 violations on record.