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

ZIP Code 99761 Water Quality & Testing Report

Noatak, AK · Northwest Arctic Borough 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 99761 (Noatak, AK)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 99761 (Noatak, AK) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Noatak Community Water System, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (84/100) with 0 health violations, 0.2 ppb lead, and moderately hard (114 mg/L / 6.7 GPG) water.

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

19

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 99761

Tap water in ZIP code 99761 (Noatak, AK) is distributed by Noatak Community Water System (EPA ID: AK2340159), serving approximately 485 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 84/100.

Water System

Noatak Community Water System

EPA ID: AK2340159

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

485 residents

County

Northwest Arctic Borough County, Alaska

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Lead Levels in ZIP 99761

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

Lead Level: 0.2 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 99761 is 0.2 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 99761 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 23% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
0.20 ppb (0.0002 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

23%
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 99761 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 99761 (Noatak, AK)

Free Tool

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Noatak Community Water System · PWSID: AK2340159

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Noatak Community Water System has recorded 19 violations, but none are health-based (e.g., administrative or monitoring infractions). 4 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records. Additionally, 2 boil water advisory/advisories were active during this period.

Total Violations (5 yr)
19
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
4
Boil Water Advisories
2
Compliance Risk
High

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

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 99761 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

⚖ 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

5.64%

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

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 99761

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 99761 served by Noatak Community 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 99761 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Noatak Community 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 99761 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 99761?+
Yes — tap water in 99761 (Noatak, AK) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 99761 (Noatak, AK)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 99761, 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 99761?+
Tap water in 99761 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 99761?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 99761 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 99761 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 99761 is 0.2 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 99761?+
EPA historical records indicate 2 boil water event(s) occurred within this system. Always check with your local water provider (Noatak Community Water System) for real-time emergency advisories.
Who provides tap water to 99761?+
Tap water in ZIP code 99761 is provided by Noatak Community Water System (EPA ID: AK2340159), serving approximately 485 residents.
What water filter should I use in 99761?+
Based on water metrics for 99761, we recommend None / Standard Pitcher. Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 42 (Chlorine, Taste & Odor).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 99761 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 Noatak Community 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 →