Karluk, AK: 4 Violations — 94/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
How does Karluk tap water hold up under EPA scrutiny? Above average for AK — documented violations are uncommon and the safety grade reflects a clean overall record.
How Karluk Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Karluk Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0003 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 67% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 11.26.
Water Systems Serving Karluk
One utility dominates residential water service in Karluk, AK — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Karluk, Alaska (population ~26), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 60 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Karluk: A (94/100)
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
Karluk water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0003 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | 6 | 1 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99608 | A | 4 | 0 | Karluk Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Karluk
- 99608 [A] — 4 violations
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.
CDC Health Data for Karluk
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Karluk
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Karluk's Housing Stock?
With 67% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Two dates define the high-risk tiers of residential plumbing from a lead standpoint: 1970, before which lead pipes were commonly installed for service connections, and 1986, before which lead solder was standard in copper plumbing. A median build year of 1986 places Karluk's housing distribution well within that older risk zone. The bar chart above breaks down how much of the stock falls into each era — and the pre-1986 share alone represents more than half the residential inventory, making plumbing-era risk a defining characteristic of the local water safety picture.
Over half of homes in Karluk were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Protecting Children from Lead in Karluk
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. 67% of Karluk 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Karluk, AK