Shishmaref Water System
EPA ID: AK2340484 · 572 people served · 1 ZIP code
In the current EPA monitoring period, Shishmaref Water System has 1 violation still listed as unresolved, with the utility supplying water to approximately 572 residents.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Compliance Trajectory
Worsening · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months
Violations went from 3 (2021) to 3 (2022). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.
Service Area Demographics
The Shishmaref Water System serves a community with a median household income of $62,083 and an estimated 462 residents across its service area. Approximately 52% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
Environmental Justice Note: 50% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.
🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Shishmaref Water System's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.
About 27% of homes in Nome Census Area, Alaska rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Shishmaref Water System compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) at 10 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.06 mg/L. Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.
E. coli at 12 Zero tolerance (any positive sample triggers immediate action) exceeds the EPA maximum of Zero tolerance (any positive sample triggers immediate action). Severe GI illness; potentially fatal kidney failure in children. Consider UV disinfection (99.99%) filtration.
Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 9 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Revised Total Coliform Rule at 6 presence exceeds the EPA maximum of presence.
Fecal Coliform at 6 presence exceeds the EPA maximum of presence.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) 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
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
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.
System Overview
Shishmaref Water System (EPA ID: AK2340484) is a community water system in Alaska that serves approximately 572 people from surface water sources.
This system serves ZIP code 99772 in Shishmaref.
Average Home Safety Score: A (88/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 1, 2025 | Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| June 1, 2025 | E. coli | Monitoring | Resolved |
| June 1, 2025 | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| June 1, 2025 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| February 1, 2025 | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| February 1, 2025 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| February 1, 2025 | Fecal Coliform | Monitoring | Resolved |
| February 1, 2025 | E. coli | Monitoring | Resolved |
| December 1, 2023 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| December 1, 2023 | E. coli | Monitoring | Resolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Fecal Coliform | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | E. coli | Monitoring | Resolved |
| May 1, 2023 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| May 1, 2023 | E. coli | Monitoring | Resolved |
| April 1, 2023 | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| February 1, 2023 | E. coli | Monitoring | Resolved |
| February 1, 2023 | Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli | Microbiological | 12 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 10 | Yes |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting Failure | 9 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 6 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 6 | No |
Health Risk Details
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (EPA limit: 0.06 mg/L)
Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects At-risk groups: pregnant women, infants, long-term consumers of chlorinated municipal water.
Removal methods: granular activated carbon (GAC), carbon block filter, reverse osmosis. Find the right filter →
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99772 | 0.00027 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
- 99772 — Shishmaref
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Shishmaref Water System (AK2340484) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shishmaref Water System water safe to drink?
Shishmaref Water System has recorded 7 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 Shishmaref Water System serve?
Shishmaref Water System serves approximately 572 people across 1 ZIP code in Alaska.
Where does Shishmaref Water System get its water?
The primary water source is surface water.
Water Source & Treatment
Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.
Source: Shishmaref Water System Consumer Confidence Report.
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Shishmaref Water System (EPA ID: AK2340484) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.