Is Sand Point, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Sand Point, AK — Water Quality Report
Sand Point's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 830 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.2 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 284 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sand Point's water
Sand Point ranks #43 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it below average 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, Sand Point may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 46 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sand Point, AK water safe to drink?
Sand Point'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 830 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sand Point
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sand Point's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sand Point's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sand Point's water system has 284 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 46 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Sand Point's water come from?
Sand Point's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 830 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Sand Point residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sand Point'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 Sand Point
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sand Point, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TRIDENT SEAFOODS - SANDPOINT SAND POINT, AK99661 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 4.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sand Point compares by contaminant
Explore where Sand Point ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sand Point's water comes from
Sand Point'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 830 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sand Point
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAND POINT WATER SYSTEM | AK2260294 | 830 | SW |
How Sand Point compares
Full Alaska rankings →Sand Point'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 Sand Point, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sand Point's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Aleutians East Borough
Frequently asked questions
Is Sand Point, AK tap water safe to drink?
Sand Point's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #43 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Sand Point's water?
Lead was measured at 4.2 ppb (90th percentile). 284 violations are on record.
How is Sand Point'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 Sand Point?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sand Point's water come from?
Sand Point's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 830 residents.
What health violations has Sand Point's water system had?
Sand Point has 39 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sand Point's water compare to other cities?
Sand Point ranks #43 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 46% of state cities) and #13376 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 Sand Point's small water system affect quality?
Sand Point's system serves approximately 830 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 284 violations on record.