Northwest Arctic County Water Quality: 475 Violation...
11 water systems · 12 ZIP codes · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-04
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified: 2026-06-04
Violation Trend
EPA violations across water systems in Northwest Arctic County.
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Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
Northwest Arctic County has 11 community water systems serving approximately 8,072 people across 12 ZIP codes. These systems have accumulated 475 EPA violations, including 136 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 29% of all violations in Northwest Arctic County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 136 | 28.6% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 339 | 71.4% |
| Total | 475 | 100% |
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels exceeding EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Monitoring violations indicate failures to test or report.
Cities with Most Violations
| Rank | City | Violations | Health-Based | ZIP Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Selawik | 92 | 24 | 1 | 846 |
| 2 | Deering | 69 | 14 | 1 | 160 |
| 3 | Kivalina | 66 | 25 | 1 | 452 |
| 4 | Buckland | 65 | 27 | 1 | 600 |
| 5 | Kobuk | 48 | 11 | 1 | 93 |
| 6 | Shungnak | 47 | 3 | 1 | 299 |
| 7 | Noorvik | 27 | 4 | 1 | 735 |
| 8 | Kotzebue | 25 | 24 | 1 | 3,234 |
| 9 | Noatak | 19 | 0 | 1 | 485 |
| 10 | Ambler | 10 | 3 | 1 | 261 |
Violation Trend
Year-by-year EPA violations across water systems in Northwest Arctic County:
| Year | Total | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 22 | 22 |
| 2023 | 37 | 37 |
| 2024 | 31 | 31 |
| 2025 | 19 | 19 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | 131 | 8 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 108 | 8 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 46 | 6 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 28 | 6 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 26 | 10 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 22 | 7 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 21 | 9 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | 9 | 6 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 7 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 3 | Yes |
Understanding Water Quality Scores
Each ZIP code in Northwest Arctic County receives a safety score from 0-100 based on EPA compliance data. Scores factor in the number and severity of violations, with health-based violations weighted more heavily than monitoring failures. Resolved violations (where the system returned to compliance) receive reduced weight in the scoring.
The county-level grade (B) represents the average across all 12 ZIP codes. Individual ZIP codes may vary significantly — a county with a B grade may contain both A-rated and D-rated areas.
Water Systems in Northwest Arctic County
Northwest Arctic County is served by 11 community water systems, averaging 0.9 systems per ZIP code. Each system is independently regulated and tested by the EPA. Larger systems serving more people typically have more extensive monitoring requirements.
Water systems in Northwest Arctic County source water from a mix of surface water (rivers, reservoirs) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be detected.
How to Check Your Water in Northwest Arctic County
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup for detailed water system data including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — every water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report
Get a home test — certified kits ($20-$50) or professional lab tests ($150-$400) can detect contaminants not covered by routine testing
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants found in your area
Check for lead — homes built before 1986 should test for lead regardless of utility compliance
EPA Enforcement
The EPA and state regulators have taken 120 enforcement actions against water systems in Northwest Arctic County. Enforcement actions range from compliance assistance and administrative orders to formal penalties. Systems under enforcement are required to remediate violations and may face ongoing monitoring requirements.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Northwest Arctic County, AK
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Northwest Arctic County
Water quality varies across Northwest Arctic County's 12 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | City | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99770 | Selawik | B | 70 | 92 | 24 | View → |
| 99736 | Deering | C | 66 | 69 | 14 | View → |
| 99750 | Kivalina | C | 66 | 66 | 25 | View → |
| 99727 | Buckland | C | 66 | 65 | 27 | View → |
| 99751 | Kobuk | B | 74 | 48 | 11 | View → |
| 99773 | Shungnak | A | 95 | 47 | 3 | View → |
| 99763 | Noorvik | A | 94 | 27 | 4 | View → |
| 99752 | Kotzebue | C | 59 | 25 | 24 | View → |
| 99761 | Noatak | B | 84 | 19 | 0 | View → |
| 99786 | Ambler | A | 95 | 10 | 3 | View → |
| 99749 | Kiana | A | 98 | 7 | 1 | View → |
| 99766 | Point Hope | D | 50 | 0 | 0 | View → |
What are EPA health violations?
Health-based violations mean a contaminant was detected above the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) — the legal limit designed to protect human health. Northwest Arctic County has 136 such violations. Not all violations cause illness, but repeated exceedances increase risk, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals.
What is a water quality grade?
ZipCheckup grades water systems from A to F based on EPA violation history, contaminant levels, and system compliance. Grade A means few or no violations; Grade F indicates persistent or serious issues. Northwest Arctic County's overall grade is B.
Not sure if your water needs a filter?
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Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in Northwest Arctic County, Alaska?
Northwest Arctic County has 11 community water systems with 475 recorded EPA violations, including 136 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code — check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does Northwest Arctic County have?
Northwest Arctic County has 475 total EPA violations across 12 ZIP codes. 136 are health-based violations indicating contaminant levels potentially harmful to health.
Which city in Northwest Arctic County has the most water violations?
Selawik has the most violations in Northwest Arctic County with 92 recorded EPA violations across 1 ZIP codes.
What contaminants are found in Northwest Arctic County water?
Northwest Arctic County water systems are monitored for over 90 EPA-regulated contaminants including lead, copper, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria. Check your ZIP code for contaminant-specific data.
How can I test my water in Northwest Arctic County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost testing. You can also use a certified home test kit ($20-$50) or hire a certified lab ($150-$400).