Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Anchorage School District (AK): 241 Health Violations

18 ZIP codes · 19 water systems · 3,162,037 people served · Updated 2026-07-19

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Anchorage School District: 351 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-19

B · 74
Avg Safety Score
18
ZIP Codes
19
Water Systems
3542
Violations (5yr)
0.0016 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
11
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 3
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Anchorage School District in Alaska spans 18 ZIP codes served by 19 community water systems, providing water to approximately 3,162,037 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is B (74/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 50/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 60% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0016 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0028 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 18 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 11 of 18 ZIP codes in this district. One or more PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.

Detected compounds: PFHxS, PFOA.

Highest measured level: 0.0112 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

241 health-based violations recorded across 15 of 18 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 351 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
E. coli Microbiological 888 Yes 12
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 552 Yes 13
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 516 Yes 12
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 411 No 13
Total Coliform Microbiological 348 No 12
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 186 No 15
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 170 No 14
Chlorite Disinfection Byproducts 132 Yes 12

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low risk)

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
99501 Anchorage B (70) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99502 Anchorage B (70) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99503 Anchorage B (70) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99504 Anchorage C (65) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99507 Anchorage C (65) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99508 Anchorage C (65) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99513 Anchorage C (66) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99515 Anchorage B (70) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99516 Anchorage B (70) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99517 Anchorage B (70) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99518 Anchorage B (70) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99530 Anchorage C (66) 292 20 0.00156 mg/L No
99567 Chugiak A (94) 30 1 0.00168 mg/L No
99577 Eagle River A (89) 6 0 0.0027 mg/L No
99587 Girdwood A (94) 2 0 0.00282 mg/L No
99505 Jber A (99) 0 0 0.001 mg/L No
99506 Jber A (95) 0 0 0.001 mg/L No
99540 Indian D (50) 0 0 — —

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
Moa Municipality of Anchorage 221,351 Surface water 99501, 99502, 99503 +13 more
Jber-elmendorf 30,003 Surface water 99504, 99505, 99506, 99577
Girdwood Water System 2,942 Groundwater 99501, 99502, 99503 +10 more
Unified Alaskan Utilities Settlers Bay 2,733 Groundwater 99501, 99502, 99503 +9 more
Ow Dimond Estates Trailer Court 1,395 Groundwater 99501, 99502, 99503 +9 more
Southwood Manor Tc 1,005 Groundwater 99501, 99502, 99503 +9 more
Unified Alaskan Utilities-homestead Div. 852 Groundwater 99577
Sand Lake Services 465 Groundwater 99502, 99515

19 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: MODERATE. Over 54.1% of housing in this district was built before 1986, when lead solder was commonly used in plumbing.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 54.1% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 2.1% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 15.9% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0016 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.0028 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

4 health-based contaminants have triggered violations in this district: E. coli, Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Fecal Coliform, Chlorite.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
E. coli Microbiological 888 Yes 12
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 552 Yes 13
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 516 Yes 12
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 411 No 13
Total Coliform Microbiological 348 No 12
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 186 No 15
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 170 No 14
Chlorite Disinfection Byproducts 132 Yes 12
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 121 No 13
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 70 No 13

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 99501 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 99501 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 99501 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 99501 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 99501 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Anchorage School District Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Anchorage School District area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 241 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 11 of 18 ZIP codes. Some PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.
  • 54.1% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 351 violations remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Anchorage School District school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 351 unresolved violations in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water - Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS - If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Anchorage School District schools?

Water systems serving Anchorage School District have recorded 241 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Anchorage School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Anchorage School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 11 of 18 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Anchorage School District (AK): 241 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/anchorage-school-district-ak/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-anchorage-school-district-ak,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Anchorage School District (AK): 241 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/anchorage-school-district-ak/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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