Alaska Water Quality Report 2026

5 cities372,815 residentsUpdated March 2026

A85/100State Average
Alaska has 5 cities in our database, serving approximately 372,815 residents. The average PurityMap score is 85.0/100 (Grade: A), which is 7.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Anchorage has the cleanest water (85/100) while Anchorage scores lowest (85/100) due to lower overall score.
Is Alaska Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Safe to Drink

Alaska tap water is safe to drink based on our analysis of 5 water systems serving 372,815 residents. The average PurityMap score is 85.0/100 (Grade: A), which is 7.1 points above the national average.

  • No major contaminant flags across Alaska cities. All cities meet EPA federal drinking water standards.
Our Recommendation

Alaska water is generally good quality. A carbon pitcher or faucet filter removes chlorine taste and provides extra protection. No major filtration investment is needed for most residents.

All 5 cities in Alaska meet EPA federal drinking water standards as of 2026. However, EPA standards set legal limits — not health goals. Many contaminants are detected at levels that are legal but may still pose long-term health risks according to independent health organizations like the EWG.
Alaska at a Glance
85Avg Purity Score
1.1Avg Hardness (GPG)
Soft
0Cities with PFAS
0Cities with Hard Water
0.6Avg Lead (ppb)
37Avg TDS (ppm)

Alaska is 7.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 5.2 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG.

Best & Worst Water in Alaska
Consistent Quality

All 5 cities score similarly

85/100
Score Distribution

How Alaska's 5 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:

Excellent (85–100)
5 cities
Good (70–84)
0 cities
Moderate (60–69)
0 cities
Poor (below 60)
0 cities
Largest Cities in Alaska — Water Quality

Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.






CityPopulationScoreHardnessKey Issues
Anchorage288K 85/1001.5 GPG—
Juneau32K 85/1000.5 GPG—
Fairbanks32K 85/1001.2 GPG—
Wasilla12K 85/1002.0 GPG—
Sitka9K 85/1000.3 GPG—
Hard Water in Alaska

Alaska generally has soft to moderate water. Average: 1.1 GPG (Soft). Most residents do not need a softener.

PFAS in Alaska Water

Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Alaska cities in our database as of 2026.

Lead in Alaska Water

All Alaska cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 0.6 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.

Water Sources in Alaska

Where Alaska gets its drinking water, based on 5 water systems.




Source TypeCities% of Total
Surface Water360%
Mixed (Ground + Surface)120%
Groundwater120%
Recommended Filter for Alaska

Alaska water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.

All Alaska Cities — Ranked
#CityPop.ScoreHardnessLeadPFASTDS
1Anchorage288K 85/1001.5 GPG (Soft)0.8 ppb✅ No40 ppm
2Fairbanks32K 85/1001.2 GPG (Soft)0.6 ppb✅ No35 ppm
3Juneau32K 85/1000.5 GPG (Soft)0.5 ppb✅ No15 ppm
4Wasilla12K 85/1002.0 GPG (Soft)0.5 ppb✅ No85 ppm
5Sitka9K 85/1000.3 GPG (Soft)0.4 ppb✅ No10 ppm
Water Utilities in Alaska

Alaska has 5 utilities. Major: Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility, Fairbanks Municipal Utilities System, City and Borough of Juneau, Wasilla Public Works, City of Sitka Electric Department.

Sources: Ship Creek and Eklutna Lake, Chena River and groundwater, Salmon Creek Reservoir, Groundwater, Blue Lake Reservoir.

Frequently Asked Questions
Which city has the best water in Alaska?
Anchorage scores highest at 85/100. Source: Ship Creek and Eklutna Lake.
Which city has the worst water in Alaska?
Anchorage scores lowest at 85/100 due to lower overall score.
Is Alaska water hard or soft?
Average hardness: 1.1 GPG (Soft). 5.2 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG. 0 of 5 cities have hard/very hard water.
Has PFAS been found in Alaska water?
Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Alaska cities in our database as of 2026.
What water filter should I use in Alaska?
Alaska water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.
How does Alaska water compare to the US average?
Score: 85.0/100 (7.1 points above US avg 77.9). Hardness: 1.1 GPG (5.2 GPG below US avg 6.3).
Where does Alaska get its drinking water?Where does Alaska get its drinking water?
Alaska water comes from: Surface Water: 3 cities (60%), Mixed (Ground + Surface): 1 cities (20%), Groundwater: 1 cities (20%).
Data Sources & Methodology
  • EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
  • USGS regional water monitoring data

PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.

How we analyze water Data sources
All Alaska Cities with Water Reports

5 city water quality reports available for Alaska.

5 Reports
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Showing all 5 cities
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