Is Pilot Station, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Pilot Station, AK — Water Quality Report
Pilot Station's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 580 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.8 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 332 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pilot Station's water
Pilot Station ranks #38 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Pilot Station 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, Pilot Station may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pilot Station, AK water safe to drink?
Pilot Station's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 580 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pilot Station
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pilot Station's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pilot Station's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pilot Station's water system has 332 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Pilot Station's water come from?
Pilot Station's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 580 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yukon R (river).
What Pilot Station residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pilot Station'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
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. | 4.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pilot Station compares by contaminant
Explore where Pilot Station ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pilot Station's water comes from
Pilot Station'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 580 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pilot Station
Pilot Station is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pilot Station
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PILOT STATION WATER SYSTEM | AK2260163 | 580 | GW |
How Pilot Station compares
Full Alaska rankings →Pilot Station's score of 50/100 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 Pilot Station, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pilot Station's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wade Hampton Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Pilot Station, AK tap water safe to drink?
Pilot Station's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #38 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Pilot Station's water?
Lead was measured at 4.8 ppb (90th percentile). 332 violations are on record.
How is Pilot Station'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 Pilot Station?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pilot Station's water come from?
Pilot Station's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 580 residents.
What health violations has Pilot Station's water system had?
Pilot Station has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pilot Station's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pilot Station 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 332 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 Pilot Station's water compare to other cities?
Pilot Station ranks #38 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 52% of state cities) and #13188 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pilot Station's small water system affect quality?
Pilot Station's system serves approximately 580 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 332 violations on record.