Arsenic Contamination

Arsenic in Alaska Drinking Water

Ranked by arsenic violation count · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Has Violations

100%

% Has Violations

10.4 violations

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

Health Violations

Analysis

Arsenic in Alaska: what the data shows

Alaska has 75 cities with arsenic-related violations on record. Arsenic contamination is a federal MCL violation at levels above 10 µg/L (10 ppb). The state has 75 cities with at least one arsenic violation. Arsenic enters drinking water primarily through erosion of natural deposits, particularly in western states with arsenite-bearing geology. Industrial sources include mining runoff, glass manufacturing, and semiconductor production. Groundwater systems are significantly more likely to have arsenic issues than surface water systems. Long-term arsenic exposure above the MCL increases the risk of bladder, lung, and skin cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Reverse osmosis and specialized arsenic-removal media are the most effective point-of-use treatment options.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 10 µg/L EPA MCL

Alaska

100%

75 of 75 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

5489 of 5489 cities

City Map

Arsenic data across Alaska

Each dot is a city with arsenic violation data. Cities with at least one arsenic-related violation are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by arsenic level in Alaska

Highest Arsenic levels (violations)

All Cities

All Alaska cities ranked by arsenic level

#	City	Level	Violations?	Violations	Grade
1	Wasilla	170 violations	Yes	203	F
2	Anchorage	109 violations	Yes	63	F
3	Soldotna	61 violations	Yes	68	F
4	Palmer	52 violations	Yes	58	F
5	Fairbanks	36 violations	Yes	94	F
6	Chugiak	18 violations	Yes	12	D+
7	Kenai	17 violations	Yes	10	F
8	Kipnuk	13 violations	Yes	28	D+
9	Bethel	12 violations	Yes	32	D
10	Ketchikan	11 violations	Yes	238	F
11	Eagle River	11 violations	Yes	6	D
12	Seward	10 violations	Yes	10	D
13	Copper Center	10 violations	Yes	15	D
14	Manokotak	10 violations	Yes	23	F
15	Skagway	9 violations	Yes	9	B
16	Hooper Bay	9 violations	Yes	12	D
17	Alakanuk	9 violations	Yes	69	D
18	Unalaska	8 violations	Yes	3	C
19	Dillingham	8 violations	Yes	6	D
20	Mountain Village	8 violations	Yes	18	D+
21	Scammon Bay	8 violations	Yes	41	D+
22	Kasigluk	8 violations	Yes	8	F
23	Juneau	7 violations	Yes	11	C+
24	Homer	7 violations	Yes	24	D
25	Emmonak	7 violations	Yes	135	D
26	Kodiak	6 violations	Yes	17	D+
27	Valdez	6 violations	Yes	1	D
28	Selawik	6 violations	Yes	191	D
29	Buckland	6 violations	Yes	136	D
30	Fort Richardson	5 violations	Yes	2	B+
31	Wrangell	5 violations	Yes	29	C
32	Delta Junction	5 violations	Yes	10	F
33	King Cove	5 violations	Yes	13	C-
34	Noorvik	5 violations	Yes	87	D
35	Quinhagak	5 violations	Yes	64	D
36	Shishmaref	5 violations	Yes	114	D+
37	Kongiganak	5 violations	Yes	90	D
38	Hoonah	4 violations	Yes	26	D+
39	Togiak	4 violations	Yes	2	B+
40	Toksook Bay	4 violations	Yes	1	C+
41	Nikiski	4 violations	Yes	9	C-
42	Kotlik	4 violations	Yes	32	D
43	Stebbins	4 violations	Yes	40	D+
44	New Stuyahok	4 violations	Yes	21	D+
45	Saint Mary'S	4 violations	Yes	19	D
46	Girdwood	3 violations	Yes	3	D
47	Cordova	3 violations	Yes	3	B
48	Craig	3 violations	Yes	38	C+
49	Chevak	3 violations	Yes	2	D+
50	Klawock	3 violations	Yes	86	D
51	Sand Point	3 violations	Yes	39	D
52	Yakutat	3 violations	Yes	11	C
53	Eielson	2 violations	Yes	4	B-
54	Sitka	2 violations	Yes	14	B
55	Barrow	2 violations	Yes	3	C+
56	Kotzebue	2 violations	Yes	108	F
57	Petersburg	2 violations	Yes	4	A-
58	Haines	2 violations	Yes	19	D
59	Talkeetna	2 violations	Yes	1	A-
60	Metlakatla	2 violations	Yes	37	D
61	Savoonga	2 violations	Yes	2	C-
62	Galena	2 violations	Yes	78	D
63	Fort Yukon	2 violations	Yes	6	F
64	Wainwright	2 violations	Yes	48	D+
65	Pilot Station	2 violations	Yes	7	D+
66	Chefornak	2 violations	Yes	16	D+
67	Fort Wainwright	1 violations	Yes	2	B-
68	Nome	1 violations	Yes	7	B
69	North Pole	1 violations	Yes	3	B-
70	Pt. Hope	1 violations	Yes	50	B-
71	Kwethluk	1 violations	Yes	64	D+
72	Unalakleet	1 violations	Yes	162	F
73	Gambell	1 violations	Yes	91	D
74	Whittier	1 violations	Yes	0	B
75	Akiachak	1 violations	Yes	1	D

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about arsenic in Alaska

Is arsenic in Alaska tap water a concern?

Yes — 75 cities in Alaska have arsenic-related violations on record. The EPA MCL for arsenic is 10 µg/L. Even at levels below the MCL, long-term arsenic exposure has been linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease.

How can I remove arsenic from my drinking water in Alaska?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are the most effective at removing arsenic, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Specialized arsenic-removal media (such as iron-based adsorption filters) are also highly effective. Standard carbon filters and pitcher filters do NOT effectively remove arsenic. If your water comes from a private well, have it tested for arsenic.

Where does arsenic in Alaska water come from?

Arsenic enters drinking water primarily through natural erosion of arsenic-bearing rock formations. It is most common in groundwater systems in the western United States, parts of the Midwest, and New England. Industrial sources include mining, smelting, and agricultural pesticide residues. Groundwater sources are far more likely to contain arsenic than surface water.

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