Is Petersburg, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.3/100
waterverge.com Petersburg, AK — Water Quality Report
Petersburg's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,218 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 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 48 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Petersburg's water
Petersburg ranks #4 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Petersburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Petersburg, AK water safe to drink?
Petersburg's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,218 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Petersburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Petersburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Petersburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Petersburg's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Petersburg's water come from?
Petersburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,218 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Petersburg residents can do
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
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. | 3.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Petersburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Petersburg ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Petersburg's water comes from
Petersburg'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 3,218 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Petersburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PETERSBURG | AK2130148 | 3,218 | SW |
How Petersburg compares
Full Alaska rankings →Petersburg's score of 86.3/100 is above the average of 61/100 among major Alaska cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alaska rankings →About Petersburg, AK
Wikipedia →Petersburg is a census-designated place (CDP) in and essentially the borough seat of Petersburg Borough, Alaska, United States. The population was 3,043 at the 2020 census, up from 2,948 in 2010. The town is the headquarters of the Petersburg Indian Association, a federally recognized tribe of Tlingit people.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Petersburg's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Petersburg, AK tap water safe to drink?
Petersburg's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #4 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Petersburg's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Petersburg'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 Petersburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Petersburg's water come from?
Petersburg's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,218 residents.
What health violations has Petersburg's water system had?
Petersburg has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Petersburg's water compare to other cities?
Petersburg ranks #4 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 95% of state cities) and #4764 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Petersburg's small water system affect quality?
Petersburg's system serves approximately 3,218 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 48 violations on record.