Is Salcha, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Salcha, AK — Water Quality Report
Salcha's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 508 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 62 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Salcha's water
Salcha ranks #44 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Salcha 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, Salcha may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 42 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salcha, AK water safe to drink?
Salcha's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 508 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Salcha
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salcha's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Salcha's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Salcha's water system has 62 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 13 remain unresolved. 42 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Salcha's water come from?
Salcha's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 508 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Salcha R Nr Salchaket (river).
What Salcha residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Salcha'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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Salcha compares by contaminant
Explore where Salcha ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salcha's water comes from
Salcha'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 508 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Salcha
Salcha is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Salcha
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALCHA COMMUNITY WATERING POINT | AK2312415 | 508 | GW |
How Salcha compares
Full Alaska rankings →Salcha's score of 49/100 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 Salcha, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salcha's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fairbanks North Star Borough
Frequently asked questions
Is Salcha, AK tap water safe to drink?
Salcha's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #44 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Salcha's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 62 violations are on record.
How is Salcha'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 Salcha?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salcha's water come from?
Salcha's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 508 residents.
What health violations has Salcha's water system had?
Salcha has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Salcha's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Salcha 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 62 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 Salcha's water compare to other cities?
Salcha ranks #44 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 44% of state cities) and #13390 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Salcha's small water system affect quality?
Salcha's system serves approximately 508 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 62 violations on record.