Water Quality in Bethel, AK: 136 Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 73/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Bethel's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Bethel, AK carry 136 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Bethel
Water quality varies across Bethel's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99559 | B | 81 | 136 | 9 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Bethel.
Water Quality Overview
Bethel, Alaska receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 73 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Bethel have accumulated 136 EPA violations, including 9 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 5,380 people.
What Grade B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, Bethel's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Bethel water systems is 0.0040 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 43% of homes built before 1986, Bethel has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Bethel is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Bethel
Bethel is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 5,380 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Bethel. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Bethel
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Bethel Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Bethel's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 27 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 16 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 15 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 9 | 1 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 7 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 6 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Bethel:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 3 in 2021 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Bethel. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-31 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-30 | State Formal Action |
| 2025-08-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-28 | State Formal Action |
| 2025-07-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-28 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-11.
Bethel vs. Nearby Alaska Cities
How Bethel's water quality compares to similar cities in Alaska:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel | B | 136 | 5 | 5,380 |
| Soldotna | C | 103 | 5 | 5,287 |
| Barrow | B | 10 | 2 | 5,538 |
| Valdez | A | 0 | 4 | 5,687 |
Common Questions About Bethel Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Bethel, Alaska:
Is Bethel water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Bethel's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Bethel tap water? Bethel's water receives a grade of B (73/100). There are 9 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Bethel? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Bethel vs. Alaska Average
Understanding how Bethel compares to the broader Alaska average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Bethel.
ZIP Codes in Bethel
Bethel spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 99559. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.