Gustavus, AK: High Radon Risk — 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
A meaningful share of water systems in Gustavus have recorded health-based violations in recent AK monitoring periods — placing the city in the lower tier for tap water safety.
How Gustavus Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Gustavus Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 36% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 15.62 — above typical levels.
Gustavus's Water Providers
With one provider handling most of Gustavus'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 Gustavus, Alaska (population ~610), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 980 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Gustavus — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Gustavus: D (50/100)
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
Gustavus water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Gustavus
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99826 | D | HOONAH PWS | 980 |
All ZIP Codes in Gustavus
- 99826 [D]
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.
Gustavus Community Health Snapshot
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
Gustavus Infrastructure Age
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
What does a median build year of 1997 mean for water safety in Gustavus? It means the housing stock straddles two key plumbing thresholds: the 1986 federal ban on lead solder in copper plumbing, and the pre-1970 era when lead pipes were commonly installed for service lines. A meaningful share of homes predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating varied risk levels across the city's housing inventory.
Most homes in Gustavus 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.
Gustavus: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 36% of Gustavus stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Gustavus
- 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 36% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Gustavus, AK