Ninilchik, AK: High Radon Risk — 60/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
The systems supplying Ninilchik vary in performance across AK benchmarks — most meet minimum federal standards, but documented violations in select areas are on record.
How Ninilchik Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Ninilchik Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 29% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.87 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Ninilchik
A single dominant system supplies most of Ninilchik, AK. That utility controls infrastructure decisions, rate structures, and EPA compliance reporting for most residential addresses served across those 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Ninilchik, Alaska, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,244 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Ninilchik — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ninilchik: C (60/100)
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
Ninilchik water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Ninilchik
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99639 | C | ANCHOR POINT SAFE WATER CORPORATION | 1,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Ninilchik
- 99639 [C]
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 Ninilchik
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
How Old Is Ninilchik's Housing Stock?
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
Newer construction dominates Ninilchik's residential inventory, as reflected in a median build year of 1995. The practical implication is that lead-soldered copper plumbing joints — a pre-1986 standard now federally prohibited — are an exception rather than the rule in this city, though they remain present in the older fraction of the housing stock.
Most homes in Ninilchik 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.
Ninilchik: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Ninilchik sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Ninilchik are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 24% above the Alaska average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Ninilchik
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.
In Ninilchik, the older-stock footprint runs at 29% — a contained slice — and aggregate utility readings land safely under the EPA action mark. That keeps lead off the local priority list, with a one-faucet draw remaining the only direct read on a specific address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Ninilchik
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Ninilchik falls in moderate-exposure territory — 2 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Ninilchik has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $44,387 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,800</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Ninilchik
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Ninilchik, AK