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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 99741 Water Quality Report

Galena, AK · Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

10

Total Violations

45

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

3

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 6 unresolved violations and 6 boil water advisories. Contact Galena Wtp1 - City for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 99741

Tap water in ZIP code 99741 (Galena, AK) receives a C grade (score: 67/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Galena Wtp1 - City is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Galena Wtp1 - City

EPA ID: AK2360272

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

490 residents

County

Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area County, Alaska

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Lead Levels in ZIP 99741

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

Lead Level: 7.0 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 99741 is 7.0 ppb, below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but above what many health experts consider ideal. The CDC and EPA both affirm there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter, and request lead testing of their home's tap water.

Lead exposure risk in 99741 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 42% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This may reflect a mix of older and newer housing stock and infrastructure. Families with young children should test their home's water and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
7.00 ppb (0.007 mg/L)
Copper Level (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

2 mg/L
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

42%
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

Galena Wtp1 - City has recorded 10 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. 6 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 6 boil water advisorys — temporary orders issued when microbial contamination risk is elevated.

Total Violations (5 yr)
45
Health-Based Violations
10
Unresolved Violations
6
Boil Water Advisories
6
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Galena Wtp1 - City 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 3 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 99741: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), Contaminant 0700. 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.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)Contaminant 0700

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Galena Wtp1 - City — 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
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$235
Energy Burden

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

5.07%

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

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 99741 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

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 99741 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 99741?+
Tap water in 99741 (Galena, AK) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 99741 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 99741 is 7.0 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 99741?+
Tap water in ZIP code 99741 is provided by Galena Wtp1 - City (EPA ID: AK2360272). This system serves approximately 490 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 99741?+
ZIP code 99741 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 99741 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 6 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Galena Wtp1 - City for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 99741?+
Your water utility — Galena Wtp1 - City — 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 "Galena Wtp1 - City Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 99741?+
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 99741, with detected contaminants including Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) and Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM), a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 99741 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 7.0 ppb in 99741, 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 99741 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 Galena Wtp1 - City. 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 →