Is Klawock, 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 ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Klawock, AK — Water Quality Report
Klawock's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 904 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.6 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 478 violations on record, including 86 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Klawock's water
Klawock ranks #64 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
As a small community water system, Klawock 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 Klawock, AK water safe to drink?
Klawock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 904 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Klawock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Klawock's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Klawock'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
Klawock's water system has 478 total violations on record, including 86 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Klawock's water come from?
Klawock's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 904 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Klawock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Klawock'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 Klawock'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. | 3.6 | 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. | 1.65 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Klawock compares by contaminant
Explore where Klawock ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Klawock's water comes from
Klawock'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 904 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Klawock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLAWOCK | AK2120169 | 904 | SW |
How Klawock compares
Full Alaska rankings →Klawock's score of 45/100 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 Klawock, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Klawock's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Klawock, AK tap water safe to drink?
Klawock's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #64 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Klawock's water?
Lead was measured at 3.6 ppb (90th percentile). 478 violations are on record.
How is Klawock'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 Klawock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Klawock's water come from?
Klawock's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 904 residents.
What health violations has Klawock's water system had?
Klawock has 86 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. 14 violations remain unresolved.
How does Klawock's water compare to other cities?
Klawock ranks #64 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 19% of state cities) and #14299 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Klawock's small water system affect quality?
Klawock's system serves approximately 904 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 478 violations on record.