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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 99684 Water Quality Report

Unalakleet, AK · Nome Census Area County

Safety Score
F

Water Safety Grade

Failing — Serious compliance issues

Health Violations

31

Total Violations

106

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

2

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 99684

Tap water in ZIP code 99684 (Unalakleet, AK) has received a failing F grade (score: 36/100) based on EPA compliance data. Unalakleet City Water Supply has a significant history of water quality violations. Residents are strongly encouraged to use a certified water filter and contact their local water authority for current advisories.

Water System

Unalakleet City Water Supply

EPA ID: AK2340387

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

757 residents

County

Nome Census Area County, Alaska

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Lead Levels in ZIP 99684

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

Lead Level: 14.0 ppb — Approaching Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 99684 is 14.0 ppb, approaching the EPA action level of 15 ppb. When a water system's 90th percentile exceeds this threshold, the utility is required to take corrective action including public notification and infrastructure upgrades. Residents — especially those with children or in homes built before 1986 — should use a certified lead-reducing filter (NSF/ANSI 53 or 58) for drinking and cooking water.

Lead exposure risk in 99684 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 61% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
14.00 ppb (0.014 mg/L)
Copper Level (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

1.4 mg/L
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

61%
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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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Unalakleet City Water Supply has recorded 31 health-based violations in the past 5 years — significantly above the national average. This volume of violations indicates serious and recurring compliance issues. Independent water testing and in-home filtration are strongly recommended. 13 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility. Additionally, this area has had 14 boil water advisorys — temporary orders issued when microbial contamination risk is elevated.

Total Violations (5 yr)
106
Health-Based Violations
31
Unresolved Violations
13
Boil Water Advisories
14
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Unalakleet City Water Supply has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 99684: Fecal Coliform, E. coli. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Fecal ColiformE. coli

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Unalakleet City Water Supply — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Energy Burden

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

4.34%

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

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 99684 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Unalakleet City Water Supply to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 99684 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 99684?+
Tap water in 99684 has a below-average water quality grade of F. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 99684 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 99684 is 14.0 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 99684?+
Tap water in ZIP code 99684 is provided by Unalakleet City Water Supply (EPA ID: AK2340387). This system serves approximately 757 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 99684?+
ZIP code 99684 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 99684 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 13 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Unalakleet City Water Supply for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 99684?+
Your water utility — Unalakleet City Water Supply — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Unalakleet City Water Supply Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 99684?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 99684, with detected contaminants including Fecal Coliform and E. coli, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 99684 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 14.0 ppb in 99684, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 99684 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 Unalakleet City Water Supply. 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 →