Is King Cove, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
56.1/100
waterverge.com King Cove, AK — Water Quality Report
King Cove's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 972 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 288 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about King Cove's water
King Cove ranks #26 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
King Cove 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, King Cove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is King Cove, AK water safe to drink?
King Cove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 972 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for King Cove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into King Cove's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.1/100).
4 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for King Cove'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
King Cove's water system has 288 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does King Cove's water come from?
King Cove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 972 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Campbell C Nr Spenard (river), Chester C (river).
What King Cove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in King Cove'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 King Cove'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.39 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.388 mg/L (2010)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how King Cove compares by contaminant
Explore where King Cove ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where King Cove's water comes from
King Cove'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 972 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near King Cove
King Cove is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving King Cove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KING COVE | AK2260244 | 972 | GW |
How King Cove compares
Full Alaska rankings →King Cove's score of 56.1/100 is on par with the average of 61/100 among major Alaska cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alaska rankings →About King Cove, AK
Wikipedia →Anchorage, officially the Municipality of Anchorage, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Alaska. With a population of 291,247 at the 2020 census, it contains nearly 40 percent of the state's population. The Anchorage metropolitan area, which includes Anchorage and the neighboring Matanuska-Susitna Borough, had a population of 398,328 in 2020, accounting for more than half the state's population. At 1,706 sq mi (4,420 km2) of land area, the city is the fourth-largest by area in the U.S.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to King Cove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aleutians East Borough
Frequently asked questions
Is King Cove, AK tap water safe to drink?
King Cove's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #26 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in King Cove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 288 violations are on record.
How is King Cove'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 King Cove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does King Cove's water come from?
King Cove's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 972 residents.
What health violations has King Cove's water system had?
King Cove has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is King Cove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
King Cove 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 288 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 King Cove's water compare to other cities?
King Cove ranks #26 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 67% of state cities) and #12484 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does King Cove's small water system affect quality?
King Cove's system serves approximately 972 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 288 violations on record.