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Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideHistorical Record: No Recorded SDWIS Violations

ZIP Code 99581 Water Quality & Testing Report

Emmonak, AK · Wade Hampton Census Area County · Updated for 2026

Sahajul HaqueCompiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS records
Public Health & Medical Notice: Drinking water quality data on this page reflects historical compliance records submitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This information does not constitute medical advice or a real-time safety guarantee. If you are pregnant, nursing, preparing infant formula, or immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider. Boiling water kills biological pathogens, but does NOT remove chemical contaminants like lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 99581 (Emmonak, AK)?

Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 99581 (Emmonak, AK) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (67/100) due to 14 health violation(s) and 0.9 ppb lead. While treated by Emmonak Water System, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

14

Total Violations

74

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

4

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 31 unresolved violations. Contact Emmonak Water System for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 99581

Tap water in ZIP code 99581 (Emmonak, AK) is distributed by Emmonak Water System (EPA ID: AK2270299), serving approximately 820 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 67/100.

Water System

Emmonak Water System

EPA ID: AK2270299

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

820 residents

County

Wade Hampton Census Area County, Alaska

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Lead Levels in ZIP 99581

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 0.9 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 99581 is 0.9 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.

Lead exposure risk in 99581 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 24% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
0.90 ppb (0.0009 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

24%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Moderately Hard6.7 GPG · 114 mg/L

Water in ZIP 99581 is Moderately Hard (114 mg/L / 6.7 GPG). It contains beneficial natural minerals like calcium and magnesium without causing heavy scale accumulation.

Recommendation: A water softener is optional. Regular maintenance of hot water appliances is recommended.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

6.7 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

114 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
Low / Moderate

Interactive Water Safety & Filter Matcher

Personalized for ZIP 99581 (Emmonak, AK)

Free Tool

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Emmonak Water System · PWSID: AK2270299

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Emmonak Water System has recorded 14 health-based violations out of 74 total violations over the past 5 years. 31 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
74
Health-Based Violations
14
Unresolved Violations
31
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 4 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Chlorite, Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Stage 2 DBP Rule, Consumer Confidence Report Rule.

ChloriteHaloacetic Acids (HAA5)Stage 2 DBP RuleConsumer Confidence Report Rule

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 10 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$2
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

7.89%

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 99581

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 99581 served by Emmonak Water System can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

  • 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
  • 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
  • 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

  • •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
  • •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
  • •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in AK for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 99581 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Recommended Water Treatment Systems:

🏺

NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter

Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.

Lead Filter Guide →
⚗️

NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System

Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.

RO System Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 99581 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 99581?+
Tap water in 99581 (Emmonak, AK) meets major standards but has a grade of C due to minor past violations. Vulnerable populations may want to use a certified filter as a precaution.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 99581 (Emmonak, AK)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 99581, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in AK. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 99581?+
Tap water in 99581 is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 114 mg/L (6.7 GPG). A water softener is optional. Regular maintenance of hot water appliances is recommended.
Should I test private well water in 99581?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 99581 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 99581 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 99581 is 0.9 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 99581?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 99581. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 99581?+
Tap water in ZIP code 99581 is provided by Emmonak Water System (EPA ID: AK2270299), serving approximately 820 residents.
What water filter should I use in 99581?+
Based on water metrics for 99581, we recommend Reverse Osmosis (PFAS & Lead). Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Chemical Contaminants), NSF/ANSI 42 (Aesthetic Effects).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 99581 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Emmonak Water System. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →