Is Whittier, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.4/100
waterverge.com Whittier, AK — Water Quality Report
Whittier's drinking water received a grade of B (75.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using groundwater.
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 74 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Whittier's water
Whittier ranks #9 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Whittier 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.
As a small community water system, Whittier may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Whittier, AK water safe to drink?
Whittier's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (75.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Whittier
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Whittier's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.4/100).
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Xylenes, Total, o-Dichlorobenzene.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: CYANIDE.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Whittier'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
Whittier's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Whittier's water come from?
Whittier's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Whittier residents can do
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 Whittier'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. | 1.58 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Whittier compares by contaminant
Explore where Whittier ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Whittier's water comes from
Whittier'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 650 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Whittier
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHITTIER WATER SYSTEM | AK2211952 | 650 | GW |
How Whittier compares
Full Alaska rankings →Whittier's score of 75.4/100 is above the average of 61/100 among major Alaska cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alaska rankings →About Whittier, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Whittier's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Valdez-Cordova Census Area
Frequently asked questions
Is Whittier, AK tap water safe to drink?
Whittier's water quality earned a grade of B (75.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #9 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Whittier's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is Whittier'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 Whittier?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Whittier's water come from?
Whittier's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 650 residents.
Is Whittier's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Whittier 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 74 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 Whittier's water compare to other cities?
Whittier ranks #9 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 89% of state cities) and #9607 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Whittier's small water system affect quality?
Whittier's system serves approximately 650 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 74 violations on record.