Health Violations Found AK 2 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

College Utilities Corporation

EPA ID: AK2310900 · 27,000 people served · 10 ZIP codes

Tallying the federal enforcement file for College Utilities Corporation yields 5 open violations that have not been formally closed — each finding sits in the EPA database while the utility continues to deliver water to approximately 27,000 residents and works through the required corrective action process.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

B · 78
Avg Safety Score
27,000
People Served
10
ZIP Codes Served
13
Violations (5yr)
Groundwater
Water Source
0.0024 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 2
Radon Risk · Moderate
6
Contaminants Flagged

Service Area Map

Coverage area for College Utilities Corporation Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade B

Service Area Demographics

$73,551
Median Household Income
60,117
Service Area Population
16%
Disadvantaged Population
30th
Poverty Percentile
50th
Energy Burden Percentile
55%
Pre-1986 Housing

The College Utilities Corporation serves a community with a median household income of $73,551 and an estimated 60,117 residents across its service area. Approximately 55% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Groundwater

College Utilities Corporation's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
0th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
70th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 9% of homes in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 70th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites. Groundwater sources near contaminated sites may face elevated risk from industrial chemicals.

Infrastructure Risk

43 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Copper
Pipe Material
25 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Moderate Wear
Decay Status
Installed 63% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How College Utilities Corporation compares to EPA limits

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) 1 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.08 mg/L
Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns

What This Means For You

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.08 mg/L. Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 5 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Stage 1 DBP Rule at 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Stage 2 DBP Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 40 detections recorded. 19 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).

State limits: PFOA: 0.07 ppt, PFOS: 0.07 ppt
Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) was detected in this water system. granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Alaska

Jber-elmendorf
30,003 people
A 0 violations
0 violations
B 0 violations
Wasilla Water System
18,492 people
B 14 violations
B 7 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Flood Insurance PFAS Treatment Water Filtration
Flood Insurance $900
PFAS Treatment $600
Water Filtration $300
Total Estimated Cost $1,800

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,000

Annual per household (CDC est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$5,165
10 years
$10,330
20 years
$20,660

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $1,800 (one-time) vs. $10,330 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

College Utilities Corporation (EPA ID: AK2310900) is a community water system in Alaska that serves approximately 27,000 people from groundwater sources.

This system provides water to 10 ZIP codes across 1 community.

Average Home Safety Score: B (78/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

2 health-based violations recorded in the past 5 years. 5 remain unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
July 1, 2025 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Unresolved
April 1, 2025 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Resolved
January 1, 2025 Stage 1 DBP Rule Monitoring Unresolved
October 17, 2024 Stage 2 DBP Rule Health-based Unresolved
October 17, 2024 Stage 2 DBP Rule Monitoring Unresolved
December 23, 2023 Contaminant 0700 Health-based Resolved
October 1, 2023 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2023 Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2023 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 5 No
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 3 No
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 2 Yes
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 1 No
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting Failure 1 No
Contaminant 0700 Other Violation 1 Yes

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
99712 0.0024 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your 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.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: 3 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 7 additional ZIPs inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for College Utilities Corporation (AK2310900) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is College Utilities Corporation water safe to drink?

College Utilities Corporation has recorded 2 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does College Utilities Corporation serve?

College Utilities Corporation serves approximately 27,000 people across 10 ZIP codes in Alaska.

Where does College Utilities Corporation get its water?

The primary water source is groundwater.

Water Source & Treatment

Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.

Source
Groundwater
Drawn from underground aquifers via wells.
Disinfectant used
Chlorine
Treatment chemicals reported
chlorinesoda ash

Source: College Utilities Corporation Consumer Confidence Report.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.

Treatment regime

How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.

Treatment classification
Standard
Disinfection plus one or more treatment additives — typically corrosion control, pH adjustment, or fluoridation. Standard regime for utilities serving treated municipal water.

Treatment chemicals and what each one does

Chemical names are reported verbatim by the utility. Purpose categories are ZipCheckup annotations based on standard drinking-water treatment practice.

Disinfectant
Inactivates bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the treated water.
chlorine
pH adjustment
Raises or lowers water acidity to protect pipes and improve treatment performance.
soda ash

Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from College Utilities Corporation Consumer Confidence Report.

Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Above Current MCL

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). One or more PFAS compounds were measured above the current state-enforceable MCL.

Samples collected
58
Detections
6
Latest sample
12/19/2024
Highest analyte
PFHxS: 10.5 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFHxS 10.5 ppt 10 ppt Above current MCL
PFOA 6.4 ppt 10 ppt Above 2029 federal MCL
PFHxA 4.3 ppt
PFPeA 3.9 ppt

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

PFAS Substances Detected in This System

This water system's Consumer Confidence Report disclosed the following PFAS compounds. Levels are from the utility's most recent reporting cycle.

Substance Detected level EPA limit Status
PFOS
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
Not disclosed 4 ppt
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
Not disclosed 4 ppt

In April 2024, EPA finalized the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. Public water systems have until 2029 to comply. EPA — PFAS regulation overview →

Source: Consumer Confidence Report disclosed by College Utilities Corporation.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. PFAS detection data is sourced from public Consumer Confidence Reports filed by the utility itself.

Learn more about PFAS health effects and filtration →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

0
Confirmed Lead
0
Galvanized — Replacement Required
39
Unknown Material
2,642
Confirmed Non-Lead

This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2023-01-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 27,000
Reported to Alaska

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Notable events and violations

This section summarizes events the utility chose to disclose in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report, plus any federal compliance violations the utility recorded against itself. Both lists are utility-authored — ZipCheckup does not audit, judge, or reorder them.

Notable events from the utility's CCR

These bullet entries are the utility's own narration of operational, regulatory, or infrastructure events during the reporting period.

Notable events from College Utilities Corporation Consumer Confidence Report:
  • PFOS 3.1 ppt and PFOA 3.8 ppt detected — both below 4 ppt MCL

ZipCheckup note: items above reflect what the utility published in its most recent CCR. Federal violation records are also tracked separately by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) — the SDWIS record is the authoritative federal source for any specific regulatory action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from College Utilities Corporation safe to drink?
College Utilities Corporation earns a B safety grade with 13 violations in the past 5 years. Tap water meets EPA standards for most contaminants.
What contaminants are in College Utilities Corporation's water?
Detected contaminants include Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Surface Water Treatment Rule, Stage 1 DBP Rule, Stage 2 DBP Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 5 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does College Utilities Corporation serve?
College Utilities Corporation serves approximately 27,000 people with drinking water across 10 ZIP codes.
What is College Utilities Corporation's water source?
College Utilities Corporation draws water from groundwater sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in College Utilities Corporation's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.0024 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of College Utilities Corporation's service area?
The College Utilities Corporation service area has a median household income of $73,551. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does College Utilities Corporation get its water?
College Utilities Corporation's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

College Utilities Corporation (EPA ID: AK2310900) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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