Water Quality in Emmonak, AK: 74 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 67/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Emmonak's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Emmonak, AK carry 74 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 Emmonak
Water quality varies across Emmonak's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99581 | C | 67 | 74 | 14 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Emmonak.
Water Quality Overview
Emmonak, Alaska receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 67 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Emmonak have accumulated 74 EPA violations, including 14 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 820 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Emmonak's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Emmonak water systems is 0.0009 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Emmonak 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 Emmonak
Emmonak is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 820 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 Emmonak. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Emmonak
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 Emmonak Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Emmonak's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 31 | 1 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 15 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 8 | 1 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP 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 Emmonak:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | 5 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 6 | 6 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 5 in 2021 to 1 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Emmonak. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-05-15 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-30 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-05-15.
Emmonak vs. Nearby Alaska Cities
How Emmonak's water quality compares to similar cities in Alaska:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emmonak | C | 74 | 1 | 820 |
| Sand Point | B | 21 | 1 | 830 |
| Savoonga | B | 14 | 1 | 802 |
| Selawik | C | 92 | 1 | 846 |
Common Questions About Emmonak Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Emmonak, Alaska:
Is Emmonak water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Emmonak's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Emmonak tap water? Emmonak's water receives a grade of C (67/100). There are 14 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Emmonak? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Emmonak vs. Alaska Average
Understanding how Emmonak 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 Emmonak.
ZIP Codes in Emmonak
Emmonak spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 99581. 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.