Is Toksook Bay, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.8/100
waterverge.com Toksook Bay, AK — Water Quality Report
Toksook Bay's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 661 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 318 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Toksook Bay's water
Toksook Bay ranks #17 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Toksook Bay 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Toksook Bay may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Toksook Bay, AK water safe to drink?
Toksook Bay's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 661 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Toksook Bay
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Toksook Bay's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.8/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Toksook Bay's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Toksook Bay's water system has 318 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Toksook Bay's water come from?
Toksook Bay's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 661 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Toksook Bay residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Toksook Bay'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
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Toksook Bay'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. | 5.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Toksook Bay compares by contaminant
Explore where Toksook Bay ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Toksook Bay's water comes from
Toksook Bay'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 661 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Toksook Bay
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOKSOOK BAY WATER SYSTEM | AK2270215 | 661 | GW |
How Toksook Bay compares
Full Alaska rankings →Toksook Bay's score of 69.8/100 is above the average of 61/100 among major Alaska cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alaska rankings →About Toksook Bay, AK
Wikipedia →Bethel is a city in the U.S. state of Alaska, located on the Kuskokwim River approximately 50 miles (80 km) from where the river flows into Kuskokwim Bay. It is the largest community in western Alaska and in the Unorganized Borough, as well as the eighth-largest in the state. Bethel has a population of 6,325 as of the 2020 census, up from 6,080 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Toksook Bay's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bethel Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Toksook Bay, AK tap water safe to drink?
Toksook Bay's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #17 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Toksook Bay's water?
Lead was measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile). 318 violations are on record.
How is Toksook Bay'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 Toksook Bay?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Toksook Bay's water come from?
Toksook Bay's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 661 residents.
What health violations has Toksook Bay's water system had?
Toksook Bay has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Toksook Bay's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Toksook Bay 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 318 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 Toksook Bay's water compare to other cities?
Toksook Bay ranks #17 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 78% of state cities) and #10862 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Toksook Bay's small water system affect quality?
Toksook Bay's system serves approximately 661 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 318 violations on record.