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ZIP Code 99780 Water Quality Report

Tok, AK · Southeast Fairbanks Census Area County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

5

Lead Risk

Moderate

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 99780

Tap water in ZIP code 99780 (Tok, AK) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 81/100). Served by Tetlin Utility System, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

Tetlin Utility System

EPA ID: AK2380638

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

150 residents

County

Southeast Fairbanks Census Area County, Alaska

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Lead Levels in ZIP 99780

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

Lead Level: 4.6 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 99780 is 4.6 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 99780 is rated Moderate. EPA models estimate a 31% 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)
4.60 ppb (0.0046 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Moderate
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

31%
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

Tetlin Utility System has recorded 5 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.

Total Violations (5 yr)
5
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Moderate

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Moderate. Tetlin Utility System has had occasional lapses in compliance but generally meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 99780. 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 Tetlin Utility 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

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Energy Burden

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

9.95%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 99780 Recommendations

  • Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Tetlin Utility 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 99780 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 99780?+
Yes — tap water in 99780 (Tok, 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 99780 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 99780 is 4.6 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 99780?+
Tap water in ZIP code 99780 is provided by Tetlin Utility System (EPA ID: AK2380638). This system serves approximately 150 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 99780?+
ZIP code 99780 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 99780 have any active water quality violations?+
No active violations are on record for ZIP code 99780. EPA data shows this water system is currently in compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 99780?+
Your water utility — Tetlin Utility 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 "Tetlin Utility System Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 99780?+
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 99780, 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 99780 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 99780 shows a lead level of 4.6 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 99780 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 Tetlin Utility 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 →