Is Unalakleet, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
38/100
waterverge.com Unalakleet, AK — Water Quality Report
Unalakleet's drinking water received a grade of F (38 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 757 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 14.0 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 620 violations on record, including 162 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Unalakleet's water
Unalakleet ranks #78 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Unalakleet 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, Unalakleet may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 111 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Unalakleet, AK water safe to drink?
Unalakleet's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (38/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 757 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Unalakleet
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Unalakleet's water quality assessment. Grade: F (38/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Unalakleet'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Unalakleet's water system has 620 total violations on record, including 162 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 111 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Unalakleet's water come from?
Unalakleet's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 757 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Unalakleet residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Unalakleet'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 Unalakleet'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. | 14.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
| 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Unalakleet compares by contaminant
Explore where Unalakleet ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Unalakleet's water comes from
Unalakleet'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 757 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Unalakleet
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNALAKLEET CITY WATER SUPPLY | AK2340387 | 757 | GW |
How Unalakleet compares
Full Alaska rankings →Unalakleet's score of 38/100 is below the average of 61/100 among major Alaska cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Alaska rankings →About Unalakleet, AK
Wikipedia →Unalakleet is a city in Nome Census Area, Alaska, United States, in the western part of the state. As of the 2020 census, Unalakleet had a population of 765. Unalakleet is known in the region and around Alaska for its salmon and king crab harvests; the residents rely for much of their diet on caribou, ptarmigan, oogruk, and various salmon species.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Unalakleet's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nome Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Unalakleet, AK tap water safe to drink?
Unalakleet's water quality earned a grade of F (38/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #78 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Unalakleet's water?
Lead was measured at 14.0 ppb (90th percentile). 620 violations are on record.
How is Unalakleet'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 Unalakleet?
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 Unalakleet's water come from?
Unalakleet's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 757 residents.
What health violations has Unalakleet's water system had?
Unalakleet has 162 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Unalakleet's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Unalakleet 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 620 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 Unalakleet's water compare to other cities?
Unalakleet ranks #78 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 1% of state cities) and #15384 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Unalakleet's small water system affect quality?
Unalakleet's system serves approximately 757 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 620 violations on record.