Copper in Anchorage, AK Drinking Water
Copper data for Anchorage, Alaska · 229,426 residents · 25 ZIP codes
Federal water monitoring extends to thousands of public water systems, and in Anchorage, Alaska, that tracking has turned up Copper — the detection is logged in the EPA compliance record and reflects samples collected under routine Safe Drinking Water Act reporting requirements.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Copper in Anchorage Tap Water
Copper has been detected in Anchorage, Alaska drinking water at a maximum level of 2100 ppb — 1.62x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 229,426 residents across 25 ZIP codes in Anchorage.
Anchorage's overall water quality grade is C (58/100).
Is Copper in Anchorage Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.
Copper Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Copper Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99501 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99502 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99503 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99504 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99507 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99508 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99509 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99510 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99511 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99513 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99514 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99515 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99516 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99517 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99518 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99519 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99520 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99521 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99522 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99523 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99524 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99529 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99530 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99599 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 99695 | 2100 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
Average copper level across Anchorage: 2100 ppb
Health Effects of Copper
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
- Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
- Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
- Infants are more sensitive than adults
Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.
How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of copper household plumbing
- Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
- New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
- Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)
What to Do About Copper in Anchorage Water
- Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
- If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
- Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.