Is Hooper Bay, 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 ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Hooper Bay, AK — Water Quality Report
Hooper Bay's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 452 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hooper Bay's water
Hooper Bay ranks #58 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Hooper Bay 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, Hooper Bay may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 60 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hooper Bay, AK water safe to drink?
Hooper Bay's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hooper Bay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hooper Bay's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hooper Bay'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
Hooper Bay's water system has 452 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 60 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Hooper Bay's water come from?
Hooper Bay's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Hooper Bay residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hooper Bay'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 Hooper Bay'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. | 1.4 | 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. | 1.37 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.369 mg/L (2014)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hooper Bay compares by contaminant
Explore where Hooper Bay ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hooper Bay's water comes from
Hooper Bay'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 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Hooper Bay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CITY OF HOOPER BAY | AK2270312 | 1,200 | GW |
How Hooper Bay compares
Full Alaska rankings →Hooper Bay's score of 46/100 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 Hooper Bay, AK
Wikipedia →Hooper Bay is a city in Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska, United States. At the 2020 census the population was 1,375, up from 1,093 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hooper Bay's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Hooper Bay, AK tap water safe to drink?
Hooper Bay's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #58 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Hooper Bay's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 452 violations are on record.
How is Hooper Bay'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 Hooper Bay?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hooper Bay's water come from?
Hooper Bay's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
What health violations has Hooper Bay's water system had?
Hooper Bay has 12 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. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hooper Bay's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hooper Bay 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 452 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 Hooper Bay's water compare to other cities?
Hooper Bay ranks #58 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 27% of state cities) and #14052 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hooper Bay's small water system affect quality?
Hooper Bay's system serves approximately 1,200 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 452 violations on record.