Water Quality in Russian Mission, AK: 18 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 87/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Russian Mission's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Russian Mission, AK log 18 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Russian Mission
Water quality varies across Russian Mission's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99657 | A | 87 | 18 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Russian Mission, Alaska receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 87 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Russian Mission have accumulated 18 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 340 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Russian Mission's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Russian Mission water systems is 0.0013 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 46% of homes built before 1986, Russian Mission 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
Russian Mission 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 Russian Mission
Russian Mission is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 340 people across 1 ZIP codes.
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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Russian Mission. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Russian Mission
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 Russian Mission Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Russian Mission's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Russian Mission. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-17 | State Formal Action |
| 2025-06-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-12-02 | State Formal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-29.
Russian Mission vs. Nearby Alaska Cities
How Russian Mission's water quality compares to similar cities in Alaska:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russian Mission | A | 18 | 1 | 340 |
| Napakiak | B | 17 | 1 | 336 |
| Akiak | B | 5 | 1 | 346 |
| Anaktuvuk Pass | A | 0 | 1 | 350 |
Common Questions About Russian Mission Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Russian Mission, Alaska:
Is Russian Mission water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Russian Mission's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Russian Mission tap water? Russian Mission's water receives a grade of A (87/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Russian Mission? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Russian Mission vs. Alaska Average
Understanding how Russian Mission 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 Russian Mission.
ZIP Codes in Russian Mission
Russian Mission spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 99657. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.