Water Quality in Galena, AK: 45 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 59/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Galena'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
Available EPA records for Galena, AK: 45 water compliance violations tied to local public water systems.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Galena
Water quality varies across Galena's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99741 | C | 67 | 45 | 10 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Galena.
Water Quality Overview
Galena, Alaska receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 59 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Galena have accumulated 45 EPA violations, including 10 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 780 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Galena'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 Galena water systems is 0.0070 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 49% of homes built before 1986, Galena 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
Galena 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 Galena
Galena is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 780 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 Galena. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Galena
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 Galena Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Galena's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 12 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 11 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 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 Galena:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | 5 |
| 2022 | 8 | 8 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Galena. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-02 | State Formal Action |
| 2025-06-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-27 | State Formal Action |
| 2025-05-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-26 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-02-05 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-08.
Galena vs. Nearby Alaska Cities
How Galena's water quality compares to similar cities in Alaska:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galena | C | 45 | 2 | 780 |
| Kwethluk | C | 62 | 1 | 760 |
| Savoonga | B | 14 | 1 | 802 |
| Unalakleet | F | 106 | 1 | 757 |
Common Questions About Galena Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Galena, Alaska:
Is Galena water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Galena's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Galena tap water? Galena's water receives a grade of C (59/100). There are 10 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Galena? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Galena vs. Alaska Average
Understanding how Galena 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 Galena.
ZIP Codes in Galena
Galena spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 99741. 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.