2026 Rankings

Least Reliable Water Systems in Alaska — 2026

Last updated: April 13, 2026

274 ZIP codes ranked by Reliability Score #1: ZIP 99752 (Kotzebue, AK) - 15/100

Out of 274 ZIP codes with data in Alaska, these are the lowest-ranked areas for reliability score. See also: National Least Reliable Water Systems in America | All Alaska Rankings

Statistic Value
ZIP codes ranked 274
Lowest value 15/100
Median value 45/100
State Alaska

100 Lowest-Ranked ZIP Codes

Rank ZIP Code City State Reliability Score Safety Score
1 99752 Kotzebue AK 15/100 59/100
2 99925 Klawock AK 15/100 55/100
3 99663 Seldovia AK 16/100 72/100
4 99628 Manokotak AK 20/100 89/100
5 99640 Nondalton AK 20/100 87/100
6 99643 Old Harbor AK 20/100 43/100
7 99668 Sleetmute AK 20/100 79/100
8 99736 Deering AK 20/100 66/100
9 99739 Elim AK 20/100 88/100
10 99741 Galena AK 20/100 67/100
11 99750 Kivalina AK 20/100 66/100
12 99751 Kobuk AK 20/100 74/100
13 99777 Tanana AK 20/100 72/100
14 99783 Wales AK 20/100 75/100
15 99788 Chalkyitsik AK 20/100 64/100
16 99820 Angoon AK 20/100 69/100
17 99830 Kake AK 20/100 39/100
18 99918 Coffman Cove AK 20/100 66/100
19 99922 Hydaburg AK 20/100 77/100
20 99778 Teller AK 23/100 80/100
21 99658 Saint Marys AK 24/100 75/100
22 99559 Bethel AK 25/100 81/100
23 99581 Emmonak AK 25/100 67/100
24 99620 Kotlik AK 25/100 62/100
25 99621 Kwethluk AK 25/100 70/100
26 99662 Scammon Bay AK 25/100 68/100
27 99669 Soldotna AK 25/100 53/100
28 99684 Unalakleet AK 25/100 36/100
29 99727 Buckland AK 25/100 66/100
30 99742 Gambell AK 25/100 93/100
31 99770 Selawik AK 25/100 70/100
32 99771 Shaktoolik AK 26/100 88/100
33 99773 Shungnak AK 26/100 95/100
34 99763 Noorvik AK 28/100 94/100
35 99827 Haines AK 28/100 94/100
36 99901 Ketchikan AK 28/100 65/100
37 99672 Sterling AK 29/100 70/100
38 99680 Tuntutuliak AK 29/100 97/100
39 99681 Tununak AK 29/100 97/100
40 99655 Quinhagak AK 30/100 85/100
41 99664 Seward AK 31/100 66/100
42 99553 Akutan AK 32/100 98/100
43 99578 Eek AK 32/100 98/100
44 99585 Marshall AK 32/100 83/100
45 99634 Napakiak AK 32/100 95/100
46 99679 Tuluksak AK 32/100 94/100
47 99720 Allakaket AK 32/100 94/100
48 99776 Tanacross AK 32/100 78/100
49 99554 Alakanuk AK 34/100 82/100
50 99701 Fairbanks AK 34/100 68/100
51 99705 North Pole AK 34/100 73/100
52 99709 Fairbanks AK 34/100 68/100
53 99712 Fairbanks AK 34/100 78/100
54 99775 Fairbanks AK 34/100 77/100
55 99546 Adak AK 35/100 62/100
56 99550 Port Lions AK 35/100 83/100
57 99589 Goodnews Bay AK 35/100 81/100
58 99622 Kwigillingok AK 35/100 81/100
59 99661 Sand Point AK 35/100 92/100
60 99675 Takotna AK 35/100 81/100
61 99722 Arctic Village AK 35/100 81/100
62 99768 Ruby AK 35/100 74/100
63 99604 Hooper Bay AK 36/100 84/100
64 99641 Nunapitchuk AK 36/100 95/100
65 99558 Anvik AK 37/100 94/100
66 99588 Glennallen AK 37/100 83/100
67 99611 Kenai AK 37/100 79/100
68 99632 Mountain Village AK 37/100 83/100
69 99919 Thorne Bay AK 37/100 54/100
70 99781 Venetie AK 39/100 97/100
71 99501 Anchorage AK 40/100 70/100
72 99502 Anchorage AK 40/100 70/100
73 99503 Anchorage AK 40/100 70/100
74 99504 Anchorage AK 40/100 65/100
75 99507 Anchorage AK 40/100 65/100
76 99508 Anchorage AK 40/100 65/100

Methodology

Water system reliability scores (0-100) combine violation frequency, violation recency, resolution rate, and system size. Systems with repeated health-based violations and unresolved issues score lowest. The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance, distinct from the broader Home Safety Score.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a low water reliability score mean?

A low reliability score (below 50) indicates a water system with frequent violations, poor resolution rates, or recurring compliance issues. These systems may have aging infrastructure, inadequate treatment, or management challenges.

How is reliability different from safety score?

The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance (violations, resolution, compliance). The Home Safety Score is broader, also including lead risk, radon, and flood data. A ZIP code can have a reliable water system but still have high radon or flood risk.

Explore More Rankings

How this ranking is calculated, data sources, and limitations: Rankings Methodology →


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Disclaimer: Rankings are based on EPA, FEMA, and federal agency data. They reflect historical patterns and risk indicators, not necessarily current conditions. For the most current information, contact your local water utility or request a Consumer Confidence Report.

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