Is Wrangell, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
63.4/100
waterverge.com Wrangell, AK — Water Quality Report
Wrangell's drinking water received a grade of C (63.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,300 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 110 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wrangell's water
Wrangell ranks #23 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, Wrangell 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 Wrangell, AK water safe to drink?
Wrangell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,300 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wrangell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wrangell's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wrangell'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
Wrangell's water system has 110 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Wrangell's water come from?
Wrangell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,300 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Wrangell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wrangell'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 Wrangell'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.66 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wrangell compares by contaminant
Explore where Wrangell ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wrangell's water comes from
Wrangell'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 2,300 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Wrangell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRANGELL | AK2120143 | 2,300 | SW |
How Wrangell compares
Full Alaska rankings →Wrangell's score of 63.4/100 is on par with the average of 61/100 among major Alaska cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Alaska rankings →About Wrangell, AK
Wikipedia →Wrangell is a borough in Alaska, United States. As of the 2020 census the population was around 2,127, down from 2,369 in 2010.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wrangell's water quality findings.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wrangell, AK tap water safe to drink?
Wrangell's water quality earned a grade of C (63.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #23 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Wrangell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 110 violations are on record.
How is Wrangell'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 Wrangell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wrangell's water come from?
Wrangell's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,300 residents.
What health violations has Wrangell's water system had?
Wrangell has 29 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wrangell's water compare to other cities?
Wrangell ranks #23 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 71% of state cities) and #11762 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wrangell's small water system affect quality?
Wrangell's system serves approximately 2,300 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 110 violations on record.