Is Yakutat, AK Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 27 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
64.2/100
Yakutat, AK — Water Quality Report
Yakutat's drinking water received a grade of C (64.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 740 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 278 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Yakutat's water
Yakutat ranks #21 out of 79 cities in Alaska for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Yakutat 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, Yakutat may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Yakutat, AK water safe to drink?
Yakutat's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 740 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Yakutat
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yakutat's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.2/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Yakutat's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Yakutat's water system has 278 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Yakutat's water come from?
Yakutat's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 740 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Yakutat residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Yakutat'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. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Yakutat compares by contaminant
Explore where Yakutat ranks among all Alaska cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Yakutat's water comes from
Yakutat'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 740 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Yakutat
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| YAKUTAT PWS | AK2130172 | 740 | GW |
How Yakutat compares
Full Alaska rankings →Yakutat's score of 64.2/100 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 Yakutat, AK
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Yakutat's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yakutat City And Borough
Frequently asked questions
Is Yakutat, AK tap water safe to drink?
Yakutat's water quality earned a grade of C (64.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #21 out of 79 cities tested in Alaska.
What contaminants are in Yakutat's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 278 violations are on record.
How is Yakutat'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 Yakutat?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Yakutat's water come from?
Yakutat's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 740 residents.
What health violations has Yakutat's water system had?
Yakutat has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Yakutat's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Yakutat 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 278 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 Yakutat's water compare to other cities?
Yakutat ranks #21 out of 79 cities in Alaska (better than 73% of state cities) and #11685 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Yakutat's small water system affect quality?
Yakutat's system serves approximately 740 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 278 violations on record.