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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 99768 Water Quality Report

Ruby, AK · Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

45

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 99768

Tap water in ZIP code 99768 (Ruby, AK) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 74/100). Served by Ruby Water System, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

Ruby Water System

EPA ID: AK2360866

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

215 residents

County

Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area County, Alaska

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Lead Levels in ZIP 99768

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

Lead Level: 7.0 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 99768 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 99768 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 41% 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)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

41%
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

Ruby Water System has recorded 45 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures. 19 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 1 boil water advisory — temporary orders issued when microbial contamination risk is elevated.

Total Violations (5 yr)
45
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
19
Boil Water Advisories
1
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Ruby Water System has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 99768. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Ruby Water System — 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

12.41%

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

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 99768 Recommendations

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

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 99768 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 99768?+
Yes — tap water in 99768 (Ruby, AK) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 99768 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 99768 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 99768?+
Tap water in ZIP code 99768 is provided by Ruby Water System (EPA ID: AK2360866). This system serves approximately 215 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 99768?+
ZIP code 99768 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 99768 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 19 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Ruby Water System for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 99768?+
Your water utility — Ruby Water System — 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 "Ruby Water System Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 99768?+
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 99768, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 99768 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 99768, 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 99768 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 Ruby 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 →