Water Quality in Gustavus, AK: No Violations - Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-07-18
Gustavus's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Every water system supplying Gustavus, AK appears in federal EPA tracking - and all 1 carry a violation-free record with no MCL exceedance, no reportable monitoring failures, and no active enforcement actions on file in any compliance period.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Gustavus
Gustavus is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99826 | D | 50 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Gustavus.
Water Quality Overview
Gustavus, Alaska receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Gustavus. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants - some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Gustavus's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Gustavus is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Radon Risk
Gustavus 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 Gustavus
Gustavus is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 610 people across 1 ZIP code.
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 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Gustavus. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Gustavus
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
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Gustavus:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Gustavus. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-12-17 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-09 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-10-11 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-03-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-10-27 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-10-07 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-19.
Gustavus vs. Nearby Alaska Cities
How Gustavus's water quality compares to similar cities in Alaska:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gustavus | D | 0 | 1 | 610 |
| Wainwright | A | 5 | 1 | 612 |
| Tuntutuliak | A | 57 | 1 | 616 |
| Kake | F | 45 | 1 | 598 |
Common Questions About Gustavus Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Gustavus, Alaska:
Is Gustavus water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Gustavus's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Gustavus tap water? Gustavus's water receives a grade of D (50/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Gustavus? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Gustavus vs. Alaska Average
Understanding how Gustavus 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 Gustavus.
ZIP Codes in Gustavus
Gustavus spans 1 ZIP code. 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.