Water Quality in Northway, AK: 1 Violation - Grade C
Grade C · Score 65/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-07-18
Northway's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Northway, AK surfaces 1 documented water violation - each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Northway
Northway 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99764 | C | 65 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Northway, Alaska receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 65 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Northway have accumulated 1 EPA violation (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP code serving approximately 207 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Northway'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 Northway water systems is 0.0100 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 67% of homes built before 1986, Northway 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
Northway is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Northway
Northway is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 207 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 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Northway. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Northway
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 Northway Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Northway's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Northway. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-03-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-16 | State Formal Action |
| 2024-03-27 | State Formal Action |
| 2023-08-23 | State Formal Action |
| 2022-09-14 | State Formal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-03-27.
Northway vs. Nearby Alaska Cities
How Northway's water quality compares to similar cities in Alaska:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northway | C | 1 | 1 | 207 |
| Deering | C | 69 | 1 | 205 |
| Shungnak | A | 47 | 1 | 211 |
| Ambler | A | 10 | 1 | 201 |
Common Questions About Northway Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Northway, Alaska:
Is Northway water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Northway's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Northway tap water? Northway's water receives a grade of C (65/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Northway? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Northway vs. Alaska Average
Understanding how Northway 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 Northway.
ZIP Codes in Northway
Northway spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 99764. 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.