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Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideHistorical Record: 2 Past Advisory Event(s)

ZIP Code 99659 Water Quality & Testing Report

Saint Michael, AK · Nome 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 99659 (Saint Michael, AK)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 99659 (Saint Michael, AK) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by St. Michael Water System, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of A (97/100) with 2 health violations, 3.2 ppb lead, and moderately hard (117 mg/L / 6.8 GPG) water.

Safety Score
A

Water Safety Grade

Excellent — Meets all EPA standards

Health Violations

2

Total Violations

24

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

2

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 99659

Tap water in ZIP code 99659 (Saint Michael, AK) is distributed by St. Michael Water System (EPA ID: AK2340337), serving approximately 495 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of A with a composite quality score of 97/100.

Water System

St. Michael Water System

EPA ID: AK2340337

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

495 residents

County

Nome Census Area County, Alaska

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Lead Levels in ZIP 99659

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

Lead Level: 3.2 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 99659 is 3.2 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 99659 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 45% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
3.20 ppb (0.0032 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

45%
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 Hard6.8 GPG · 117 mg/L

Water in ZIP 99659 is Moderately Hard (117 mg/L / 6.8 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

6.8 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

117 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
Low / Moderate

Interactive Water Safety & Filter Matcher

Personalized for ZIP 99659 (Saint Michael, AK)

Free Tool

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: St. Michael Water System · PWSID: AK2340337

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

St. Michael Water System has recorded 2 health-based violations out of 24 total violations over the past 5 years. Additionally, 2 boil water advisory/advisories were active during this period.

Total Violations (5 yr)
24
Health-Based Violations
2
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
2
Compliance Risk
High

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

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: E. coli, Stage 2 DBP Rule.

E. coliStage 2 DBP 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
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Energy Burden

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

7.77%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 99659

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 99659 served by St. Michael 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 99659 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from St. Michael Water System
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:

🚰

NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter

Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 99659 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 99659?+
Yes — tap water in 99659 (Saint Michael, AK) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of A. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 99659 (Saint Michael, AK)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 99659, 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 99659?+
Tap water in 99659 is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 117 mg/L (6.8 GPG). A water softener is optional. Regular maintenance of hot water appliances is recommended.
Should I test private well water in 99659?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 99659 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 99659 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 99659 is 3.2 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 99659?+
EPA historical records indicate 2 boil water event(s) occurred within this system. Always check with your local water provider (St. Michael Water System) for real-time emergency advisories.
Who provides tap water to 99659?+
Tap water in ZIP code 99659 is provided by St. Michael Water System (EPA ID: AK2340337), serving approximately 495 residents.
What water filter should I use in 99659?+
Based on water metrics for 99659, 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 99659 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 St. Michael 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 →