Copper Contamination

Copper in Alaska Drinking Water

Ranked by 90th percentile copper level (mg/L) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Exceeds Limit

100%

% Exceeds Limit

2.031 mg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

Health Violations

Analysis

Copper in Alaska: what the data shows

Alaska has 42 cities with copper monitoring data. The state average 90th percentile copper level is 2.031 mg/L, compared to 28.808 mg/L nationally — better than the national average. 42 cities exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L. Copper in drinking water typically comes from corrosion of copper pipes and plumbing fixtures, particularly in older homes. The EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L is the 90th percentile threshold — if more than 10% of tap samples exceed it, utilities must take corrective action including adjusting water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. Short-term copper exposure above the action level can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure at elevated levels is associated with liver and kidney damage. Flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use and using an NSF 53-certified filter can reduce copper exposure.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 1.3 mg/L EPA Action Level

Alaska

100%

42 of 42 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

3953 of 3953 cities

City Map

Copper data across Alaska

Each dot is a city, colored by overall water quality grade. Cities with copper levels above the 1.3 mg/L EPA action level are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by copper level in Alaska

Highest Copper levels (mg/L)

All Cities

All Alaska cities ranked by copper level

#	City	Level	Exceeds?	Violations	Grade
1	Anchor Point	5.970 mg/L	Yes	1	B-
2	Copper Center	4.855 mg/L	Yes	15	D
3	Delta Junction	3.080 mg/L	Yes	10	F
4	Wasilla	2.850 mg/L	Yes	203	F
5	Buckland	2.800 mg/L	Yes	136	D
6	Anchorage	2.760 mg/L	Yes	63	F
7	Fairbanks	2.590 mg/L	Yes	94	F
8	Emmonak	2.500 mg/L	Yes	135	D
9	Selawik	2.480 mg/L	Yes	191	D
10	Sitka	2.350 mg/L	Yes	14	B
11	Quinhagak	2.310 mg/L	Yes	64	D
12	Palmer	2.200 mg/L	Yes	58	F
13	Kenai	2.165 mg/L	Yes	10	F
14	Gambell	2.150 mg/L	Yes	91	D
15	Savoonga	2.100 mg/L	Yes	2	C-
16	Saint Mary'S	2.024 mg/L	Yes	19	D
17	Kasigluk	1.980 mg/L	Yes	8	F
18	Kotlik	1.830 mg/L	Yes	32	D
19	Dillingham	1.800 mg/L	Yes	6	D
20	Noorvik	1.700 mg/L	Yes	87	D
21	Wrangell	1.660 mg/L	Yes	29	C
22	Girdwood	1.650 mg/L	Yes	3	D
23	Klawock	1.650 mg/L	Yes	86	D
24	Ketchikan	1.640 mg/L	Yes	238	F
25	Alakanuk	1.600 mg/L	Yes	69	D
26	Manokotak	1.590 mg/L	Yes	23	F
27	Whittier	1.580 mg/L	Yes	0	B
28	Nikiski	1.570 mg/L	Yes	9	C-
29	Galena	1.500 mg/L	Yes	78	D
30	Kodiak	1.480 mg/L	Yes	17	D+
31	Kongiganak	1.456 mg/L	Yes	90	D
32	Soldotna	1.450 mg/L	Yes	68	F
33	Seward	1.420 mg/L	Yes	10	D
34	Bethel	1.405 mg/L	Yes	32	D
35	North Pole	1.400 mg/L	Yes	3	B-
36	Kotzebue	1.400 mg/L	Yes	108	F
37	Eagle River	1.400 mg/L	Yes	6	D
38	Unalakleet	1.400 mg/L	Yes	162	F
39	Fort Yukon	1.400 mg/L	Yes	6	F
40	King Cove	1.388 mg/L	Yes	13	C-
41	Unalaska	1.380 mg/L	Yes	3	C
42	Hooper Bay	1.369 mg/L	Yes	12	D

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about copper in Alaska

Is copper in Alaska drinking water safe?

42 cities in Alaska exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L for copper. The state average is 2.031 mg/L. Copper levels are highest in homes with copper plumbing, particularly when water sits in pipes overnight. Flushing the tap before use significantly reduces copper in drinking water.

What causes high copper levels in Alaska tap water?

Copper typically leaches from copper pipes and brass fittings within homes, not from the water source itself. Corrosive (low pH or soft) water accelerates this leaching. Water utilities with high copper readings are required to adjust water chemistry to reduce corrosivity. You can reduce exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds before use.

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