Atqasuk, AK: High Radon Risk — 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Safe water is the norm across most of Atqasuk, AK — but documented violations push the city to the middle safety tier.
How Atqasuk Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Atqasuk Water
- Homes built before 1986: 33% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.33 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Atqasuk
With one provider handling most of Atqasuk's residential supply in AK, water service accountability is concentrated in a single utility among the 1 system on record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Atqasuk, Alaska (population ~139), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,900 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Atqasuk — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Atqasuk: C (60/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Atqasuk water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Atqasuk
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99791 | C | BARROW UTILITIES & ELEC. COOP., INC. (BU | 4,900 |
All ZIP Codes in Atqasuk
- 99791 [C]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Atqasuk
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Housing & Infrastructure in Atqasuk
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Reading the housing data for Atqasuk, with a median build year of 1998, reveals a community where neither old nor new construction dominates. That balanced profile means lead-solder-era plumbing is present throughout a meaningful portion of the residential inventory — with risk concentrated in properties built before 1986 and most acute in those that predate 1970.
Most homes in Atqasuk were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Atqasuk Homeowners
In Atqasuk, the equity share of documented remediation is meaningful enough to move the household financial perspective from routine maintenance into deliberate budgeting territory — the cost-to-value ratio is moderate, and most homeowners benefit from mapping the full scope against available budgets before committing.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Atqasuk. The estimated $1,800–$4,000 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 30% below the Alaska average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Atqasuk
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Households with kids in the home — for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — face a specific local picture in Atqasuk. 33% of homes here come from the pre-rule era, and aggregate utility samples either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L. A baseline draw-test kit and certified lead-removal filtration are available via retailer networks for households confirming conditions at a specific tap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Atqasuk
A moderate NFIP record for Atqasuk — 1 insurance claim paired with 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Atqasuk has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims averaging $55,782 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,500</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Atqasuk
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 33% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Atqasuk, AK