Is Shishmaref, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51/100
waterverge.com Shishmaref, AK — Water Quality Report
Shishmaref's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 572 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 919 violations on record, including 114 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shishmaref's water
Shishmaref ranks #36 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Shishmaref may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 47 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shishmaref, AK water safe to drink?
Shishmaref's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 572 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Shishmaref
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shishmaref's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shishmaref's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shishmaref's water system has 919 total violations on record, including 114 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 47 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Shishmaref's water come from?
Shishmaref's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 572 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Shishmaref residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shishmaref'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
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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shishmaref compares by contaminant
Explore where Shishmaref ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shishmaref's water comes from
Shishmaref'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 572 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Shishmaref
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHISHMAREF WATER SYSTEM | AK2340484 | 572 | SW |
How Shishmaref compares
Full Alaska rankings →Shishmaref's score of 51/100 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 Shishmaref, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shishmaref's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nome Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Shishmaref, AK tap water safe to drink?
Shishmaref's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #36 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Shishmaref's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 919 violations are on record.
How is Shishmaref'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 Shishmaref?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shishmaref's water come from?
Shishmaref's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 572 residents.
What health violations has Shishmaref's water system had?
Shishmaref has 114 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. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Shishmaref's water compare to other cities?
Shishmaref ranks #36 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 54% of state cities) and #12951 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Shishmaref's small water system affect quality?
Shishmaref's system serves approximately 572 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 919 violations on record.