Arsenic exposure in drinking water is tracked by EPA across the country; households in Anchorage, Alaska are among those with confirmed detections in the public water record.

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Arsenic in Anchorage Tap Water

Anchorage, Alaska has 25 EPA violations related to arsenic in drinking water.

This analysis covers 229,426 residents across 25 ZIP codes in Anchorage.

Anchorage's overall water quality grade is C (58/100).

Is Arsenic in Anchorage Water Safe?

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.

EPA Violations for Arsenic in Anchorage

Health Effects of Arsenic

• Increased risk of skin, bladder, lung, and kidney cancer
• Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
• Skin changes (darkening, thickening, lesions)
• Developmental effects in children exposed in utero

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Arsenic Rule (2006).

How Arsenic Gets Into Drinking Water

• Natural deposits in rock and soil (especially in western U.S.)
• Runoff from orchards and glass/electronics production
• Historical use of arsenic-based pesticides
• Well water in areas with arsenic-rich geology

What to Do About Arsenic in Anchorage Water

1. Install a reverse osmosis (RO) system certified under NSF 58
2. Adsorptive media filters (iron-based) can also reduce arsenic
3. Have well water tested if on a private supply
4. Boiling water does NOT remove arsenic — it concentrates it

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for arsenic removal.

Related

• Arsenic — National Overview
• Alaska Water Quality
• Anchorage Water Quality
• Check Your ZIP Code