Is Hoonah, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51.6/100
waterverge.com Hoonah, AK — Water Quality Report
Hoonah's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 980 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 163 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hoonah's water
Hoonah ranks #31 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Hoonah may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 31 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hoonah, AK water safe to drink?
Hoonah's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of D+ (51.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 980 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hoonah
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hoonah's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.6/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hoonah's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Hoonah's water system has 163 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 31 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Hoonah's water come from?
Hoonah's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 980 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Hoonah residents can do
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 Hoonah'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. | 5.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hoonah compares by contaminant
Explore where Hoonah ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hoonah's water comes from
Hoonah'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 980 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hoonah
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOONAH PWS | AK2130067 | 980 | SW |
How Hoonah compares
Full Alaska rankings →Hoonah's score of 51.6/100 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 Hoonah, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hoonah's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hoonah, AK tap water safe to drink?
Hoonah's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #31 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Hoonah's water?
Lead was measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile). 163 violations are on record.
How is Hoonah'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 Hoonah?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hoonah's water come from?
Hoonah's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 980 residents.
What health violations has Hoonah's water system had?
Hoonah has 26 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hoonah's water compare to other cities?
Hoonah ranks #31 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 61% of state cities) and #12860 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hoonah's small water system affect quality?
Hoonah's system serves approximately 980 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 163 violations on record.