Is Selawik, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Selawik, AK — Water Quality Report
Selawik's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 846 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 900 violations on record, including 191 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Selawik's water
Selawik ranks #48 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, Selawik may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 170 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Selawik, AK water safe to drink?
Selawik's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 846 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Selawik
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Selawik's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Surface Water Treatment Rule, CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, CARBON, TOTAL, TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Selawik's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Selawik's water system has 900 total violations on record, including 191 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 170 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Selawik's water come from?
Selawik's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 846 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Selawik residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Selawik'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Selawik'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. | 1.7 | 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. | 2.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Selawik compares by contaminant
Explore where Selawik ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Selawik's water comes from
Selawik'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 846 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Selawik
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SELAWIK SAFEWATER FACILITY | AK2340379 | 846 | SW |
How Selawik compares
Full Alaska rankings →Selawik's score of 47/100 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 Selawik, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Selawik's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Northwest Arctic Borough
Frequently asked questions
Is Selawik, AK tap water safe to drink?
Selawik's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #48 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Selawik's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 900 violations are on record.
How is Selawik'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 Selawik?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Selawik's water come from?
Selawik's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 846 residents.
What health violations has Selawik's water system had?
Selawik has 191 health-based violations 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. 23 violations remain unresolved.
How does Selawik's water compare to other cities?
Selawik ranks #48 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 39% of state cities) and #13785 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Selawik's small water system affect quality?
Selawik's system serves approximately 846 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 900 violations on record.