Is Kotzebue, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Kotzebue, AK — Water Quality Report
Kotzebue's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,234 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 7.5 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 259 violations on record, including 108 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kotzebue's water
Kotzebue ranks #72 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.
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, Kotzebue may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 44 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kotzebue, AK water safe to drink?
Kotzebue's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,234 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kotzebue
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kotzebue's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kotzebue'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Kotzebue's water system has 259 total violations on record, including 108 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 44 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Kotzebue's water come from?
Kotzebue's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,234 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Kotzebue residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kotzebue'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Kotzebue
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kotzebue, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 7,023 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
RED DOG OPERATIONS KOTZEBUE, AK99752 | Ammonia | 7,022 | 2.7 mi |
CROWLEY KOTZEBUE BULK FUEL FACILITY KOTZEBUE, AK99752 | Lead compounds | 0 | 2.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Kotzebue'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. | 7.5 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kotzebue compares by contaminant
Explore where Kotzebue ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kotzebue's water comes from
Kotzebue'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 3,234 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Kotzebue
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOTZEBUE MUN. WATER SYSTEM | AK2340060 | 3,234 | SW |
How Kotzebue compares
Full Alaska rankings →Kotzebue's score of 43/100 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 Kotzebue, AK
Wikipedia →Kotzebue or Qikiqtaġruk is a city in the Northwest Arctic Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is the borough's seat, by far its largest community and the economic and transportation hub of the subregion of Alaska encompassing the borough. The population of the city was 3,102 as of the 2020 census, down from 3,201 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kotzebue's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Northwest Arctic Borough
Frequently asked questions
Is Kotzebue, AK tap water safe to drink?
Kotzebue's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #72 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Kotzebue's water?
Lead was measured at 7.5 ppb (90th percentile). 259 violations are on record.
How is Kotzebue'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 Kotzebue?
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 Kotzebue's water come from?
Kotzebue's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,234 residents.
What health violations has Kotzebue's water system had?
Kotzebue has 108 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Kotzebue's water compare to other cities?
Kotzebue ranks #72 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 9% of state cities) and #14683 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kotzebue's small water system affect quality?
Kotzebue's system serves approximately 3,234 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 259 violations on record.