Is Kongiganak, 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 Kongiganak, AK — Water Quality Report
Kongiganak's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 547 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.5 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 1406 violations on record, including 90 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kongiganak's water
Kongiganak ranks #66 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, Kongiganak may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 156 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kongiganak, AK water safe to drink?
Kongiganak'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 547 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kongiganak
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kongiganak's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kongiganak'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
Kongiganak's water system has 1,406 total violations on record, including 90 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 156 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Kongiganak's water come from?
Kongiganak's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 547 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Kongiganak residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kongiganak'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 Kongiganak'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. | 4.5 | 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. | 1.46 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kongiganak compares by contaminant
Explore where Kongiganak ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kongiganak's water comes from
Kongiganak'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 547 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Kongiganak
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KONGIGANAK WATER SYSTEM | AK2271025 | 547 | SW |
How Kongiganak compares
Full Alaska rankings →Kongiganak'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 Kongiganak, AK
Wikipedia →Kongiganak, also known colloquially as Kong, is a census-designated place (CDP) in Bethel Census Area, Alaska, United States, and primarily sits on the eastern shore of the Kongiganak River. As of the 2020 census, the population was 486, up from 439 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kongiganak's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bethel Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Kongiganak, AK tap water safe to drink?
Kongiganak's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #66 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Kongiganak's water?
Lead was measured at 4.5 ppb (90th percentile). 1406 violations are on record.
How is Kongiganak'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 Kongiganak?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kongiganak's water come from?
Kongiganak's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 547 residents.
What health violations has Kongiganak's water system had?
Kongiganak has 90 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. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does Kongiganak's water compare to other cities?
Kongiganak ranks #66 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 16% of state cities) and #14312 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 Kongiganak's small water system affect quality?
Kongiganak's system serves approximately 547 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 1406 violations on record.