Water Quality in Ward Cove, AK: 12 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Ward Cove's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Ward Cove, AK has 12 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ward Cove
Water quality varies across Ward Cove's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99928 | C | 56 | 12 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Ward Cove, Alaska receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Ward Cove have accumulated 12 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 125 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Ward Cove'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
Lead testing data for Ward Cove is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Radon Risk
Ward Cove 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 Ward Cove
Ward Cove is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 125 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ward Cove. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Ward Cove
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 Ward Cove Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Ward Cove's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 4 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Ward Cove. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-09-29 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-03-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-02-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-02-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-08-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-02-22 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-02.
Ward Cove vs. Nearby Alaska Cities
How Ward Cove's water quality compares to similar cities in Alaska:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ward Cove | C | 12 | 2 | 125 |
| Clarks Point | C | 24 | 1 | 128 |
| Allakaket | B | 62 | 1 | 135 |
| Central | D | 0 | 1 | 110 |
Common Questions About Ward Cove Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Ward Cove, Alaska:
Is Ward Cove water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Ward Cove's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Ward Cove tap water? Ward Cove's water receives a grade of C (61/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Ward Cove? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Ward Cove vs. Alaska Average
Understanding how Ward Cove 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 Ward Cove.
ZIP Codes in Ward Cove
Ward Cove spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 99928. 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.