Alaska water quality overview
Alaska's drinking water quality is below average overall, with an average score of 56.1 out of 100 across 73 cities tested. The median score is 50, serving a total population of 653,947 residents. 66% of cities scored a D or F, pointing to significant water quality challenges in parts of the state. PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in 8 of 73 cities tested (11%). 3 cities exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. The state relies on a mix of water sources: 37 cities use groundwater while 36 draw from surface water such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
Issues to watch in Alaska
Explore contaminants in Alaska
More contaminants tested in Alaska
Top industrial water polluters in Alaska
Industrial polluters nearby
The 10 facilities reporting the most pounds released to surface water in Alaska, 2023.
Total reported releases to surface water: 927,293 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) |
|---|---|---|
COEUR ALASKA INC KENSINGTON GOLD PROJECT JUNEAU, AK99801 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 553,694 |
POGO MINE DELTA JUNCTION, AK99737 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 363,383 |
RED DOG OPERATIONS KOTZEBUE, AK99752 | Ammonia | 7,022 |
TESORO ALASKA - KENAI REFINERY KENAI, AK99611 | Ammonia | 2,036 |
HECLA GREENS CREEK MINING CO JUNEAU, AK99801 | Zinc compounds | 550 |
+ 5 more facilities
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
How Alaska cities scored
Worst Cities
Water quality across Alaska
Each dot is a city, colored by its water quality grade. Size reflects population served. Click any city to view its full water report.
73 cities in Alaska
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elmendorf Air Force Base | A | 94.2 | 30K | 25 |
| 2 | Talkeetna | A- | 89.9 | 2K | 83 |
| 3 | Trapper Creek | A- | 89 | 500 | 2 |
| 4 | Petersburg | A- | 86.3 | 3K | 48 |
| 5 | Fort Richardson | B+ | 81.6 | 20K | 226 |
| 6 | Togiak | B+ | 80.9 | 910 | 251 |
| 7 | Skagway | B | 77.8 | 11K | 256 |
| 8 | Nome | B | 76.3 | 4K | 172 |
| 9 | Whittier | B | 75.4 | 650 | 74 |
| 10 | Cordova | B | 75.3 | 3K | 268 |
| 11 | Sitka | B | 75 | 9K | 65 |
| 12 | Fort Wainwright | B- | 74.8 | 20K | 354 |
| 13 | Eielson | B- | 73.9 | 10K | 236 |
| 14 | North Pole | B- | 73.4 | 4K | 151 |
| 15 | Anchor Point | B- | 72.1 | 1K | 164 |
| 16 | Pt. Hope | B- | 71.4 | 881 | 244 |
| 17 | Toksook Bay | C+ | 69.8 | 661 | 318 |
| 18 | Barrow | C+ | 69.1 | 6K | 102 |
| 19 | Craig | C+ | 67.7 | 1K | 117 |
| 20 | Juneau | C+ | 65.4 | 39K | 289 |
| 21 | Yakutat | C | 64.2 | 740 | 278 |
| 22 | Unalaska | C | 64 | 9K | 300 |
| 23 | Wrangell | C | 63.4 | 2K | 110 |
| 24 | Savoonga | C- | 59.4 | 802 | 263 |
| 25 | King Cove | C- | 56.1 | 972 | 288 |
| 26 | Kodiak | D+ | 54.2 | 13K | 320 |
| 27 | Wainwright | D+ | 52.9 | 600 | 262 |
| 28 | Chevak | D+ | 52.7 | 938 | 249 |
| 29 | Mountain Village | D+ | 52 | 850 | 1209 |
| 30 | Hoonah | D+ | 51.6 | 980 | 163 |
| 31 | Kwethluk | D+ | 51 | 760 | 968 |
| 32 | Kipnuk | D+ | 51 | 639 | 1029 |
| 33 | Scammon Bay | D+ | 51 | 637 | 1092 |
| 34 | Stebbins | D+ | 51 | 590 | 490 |
| 35 | Shishmaref | D+ | 51 | 572 | 919 |
| 36 | Pilot Station | D+ | 50 | 580 | 332 |
| 37 | New Stuyahok | D+ | 50 | 566 | 391 |
| 38 | Chefornak | D+ | 50 | 513 | 317 |
| 39 | Homer | D | 49.5 | 7K | 569 |
| 40 | Haines | D | 49 | 2K | 264 |
| 41 | Sand Point | D | 49 | 830 | 284 |
| 42 | Salcha | D | 49 | 508 | 62 |
| 43 | Valdez | D | 48.8 | 6K | 395 |
| 44 | Selawik | D | 47 | 846 | 900 |
| 45 | Emmonak | D | 47 | 820 | 1235 |
| 46 | Quinhagak | D | 47 | 724 | 527 |
| 47 | Kotlik | D | 47 | 617 | 853 |
| 48 | Buckland | D | 47 | 600 | 673 |
| 49 | Alakanuk | D | 47 | 570 | 1608 |
| 50 | Gambell | D | 46.5 | 669 | 559 |
| 51 | Bethel | D | 46 | 5K | 1216 |
| 52 | Dillingham | D | 46 | 3K | 1359 |
| 53 | Metlakatla | D | 46 | 2K | 261 |
| 54 | Hooper Bay | D | 46 | 1K | 452 |
| 55 | Galena | D | 46 | 780 | 421 |
| 56 | Noorvik | D | 46 | 735 | 403 |
| 57 | Akiachak | D | 46 | 627 | 284 |
| 58 | Seward | D | 45 | 4K | 781 |
| 59 | Klawock | D | 45 | 904 | 478 |
| 60 | Saint Mary'S | D | 45 | 548 | 266 |
| 61 | Kongiganak | D | 45 | 547 | 1406 |
| 62 | Fort Yukon | F | 44.5 | 665 | 467 |
| 63 | Kenai | F | 44.3 | 6K | 881 |
| 64 | Ketchikan | F | 44 | 10K | 1310 |
| 65 | Kasigluk | F | 44 | 516 | 215 |
| 66 | Manokotak | F | 44 | 508 | 2021 |
| 67 | Kotzebue | F | 43 | 3K | 259 |
| 68 | Soldotna | F | 42.8 | 5K | 1163 |
| 69 | Wasilla | F | 42.5 | 23K | 4162 |
| 70 | Palmer | F | 41 | 10K | 1759 |
| 71 | Anchorage | F | 38.5 | 233K | 6998 |
| 72 | Fairbanks | F | 38.4 | 118K | 1885 |
| 73 | Unalakleet | F | 38 | 757 | 620 |
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View all Alaska ZIP codes →Frequently asked questions about Alaska's water
Is Alaska's tap water safe to drink?
Alaska's water quality varies by city. The statewide average grade is C- (56.1/100). 22% of cities scored an A or B, while 66% received a D or F. Check your specific city for detailed results.
Which Alaska cities have the best water quality?
The top-rated cities are Elmendorf Air Force Base (A), Talkeetna (A-), Trapper Creek (A-). These cities scored highest based on violation history, lead levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Which Alaska cities have the worst water quality?
The lowest-rated cities are Unalakleet (F), Fairbanks (F), Anchorage (F). We recommend residents in these areas consider water filtration and review their city's specific contaminant data.
How many Alaska cities have PFAS in their water?
8 out of 73 cities tested positive for PFAS "forever chemicals" (11%). 3 cities exceed the 2024 EPA maximum contaminant levels. Reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters can help reduce PFAS exposure.