Arsenic in Drinking Water in Alaska
What residents of Alaska need to know about arsenic in drinking water — including natural geological sources, private well risk, which utilities have documented violations, and how to remove arsenic from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, USGS · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is arsenic in drinking water a concern in Alaska?
Yes. Alaska has elevated arsenic concerns due to its volcanic geology, mineral-rich bedrock, and extensive gold and copper mining history. Arsenic occurs naturally in volcanic rock formations throughout Alaska, and historic mining operations in areas such as the Fairbanks gold mining district have left arsenic-bearing tailings that can leach into groundwater. Many rural Alaskan communities rely on small water systems or individual wells with limited testing.
Where does arsenic come from in Alaska's water?
Naturally occurring arsenic in volcanic and mineral-bearing bedrock is the primary source in Alaska. Areas with gold, copper, and silver mining history — including the Fairbanks district, Juneau gold belt, and Kenai Peninsula — have elevated arsenic risk from both natural geology and legacy mining. Many rural Alaska Native communities rely on surface water or shallow groundwater from potentially arsenic-affected formations.
What should Alaska residents know?
Rural Alaska communities, particularly those near gold mining districts or relying on small groundwater systems in volcanic terrain, face the highest arsenic risk. Alaska DEC monitors public water systems but the state's vast geography and many remote communities make comprehensive oversight challenging. Private water users and small water systems in mining areas should test for arsenic.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL | 10 µg/L (10 ppb) |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary source | Volcanic geology and gold/copper mining legacy (Fairbanks, Juneau belt, Kenai Peninsula) |
| State regulator | Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) |
| Remote community concern | Many rural Alaska Native communities have limited water testing and treatment resources |
| Health effects | Bladder, lung, and skin cancer; cardiovascular disease; diabetes |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis or activated alumina; critical for private well and small system users |
Why Arsenic Matters in Alaska
Alaska's geology — dominated by volcanic rocks, mineral-rich intrusive formations, and extensive mining legacy — creates widespread arsenic occurrence in groundwater. The Fairbanks area's gold mining history has left arsenic-bearing mine tailings across a wide area. Rural Alaska Native communities often rely on water sources that receive little monitoring. Alaska has one of the highest rates of drinking water violations per capita due largely to the challenges of small, remote water systems.
Alaska Arsenic Program
Alaska has elevated natural arsenic in some regions due to volcanic geology and historic mining activity. Southeast Alaska and areas near volcanic centers (Katmai, Cook Inlet) can have elevated groundwater arsenic. DEC recommends private well testing in these regions, and many Alaska Native communities that rely on groundwater sources have participated in state-sponsored well testing programs.
Alaska Utilities With Arsenic Violation Records
The utilities listed below have at least one arsenic violation on record in EPA's SDWIS database. Violations may be open or resolved — see individual utility pages for current status and risk level.
How Does Arsenic Get Into Drinking Water?
Arsenic in drinking water is almost always naturally occurring — it leaches from arsenic-bearing rocks and minerals into groundwater over time. New England granite, Southwest volcanic geology, and Upper Midwest glacial aquifers are the primary high-risk formations. It has no taste, odor, or color.
Full arsenic overview — geology maps, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Rural Alaska Native communities near mining districts, Fairbanks area residents using private groundwater, and communities on the Kenai Peninsula or in southeast Alaska's Juneau gold belt with small water systems should prioritize arsenic testing.
Private well owners near mining districts or agricultural areas
Residents in states with documented volcanic or geothermal geology
Long-term consumers of water from small groundwater systems
Households in homes built before 1960 with older well casings
Residents whose well water has never been tested for arsenic
Anyone living in a state where bedrock wells are common
How to Check Your Situation in Alaska
- 1
Identify your water source. If you use a public utility, use the ZIP lookup on this page to find your system and check its compliance record.
- 2
If on public water, review your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for arsenic monitoring data. The MCL is 10 ppb — your report should show recent test results.
- 3
If on a private well, order an arsenic test from a Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation-certified laboratory. A basic arsenic test costs $15–$40. The state agency website maintains a certified lab list.
- 4
Test your well at the tap — not just at the wellhead. The entire water distribution system within your home can affect water quality.
- 5
If your test shows arsenic above 5 ppb, install certified treatment immediately. If above 10 ppb, do not use the water for drinking or cooking until treatment is installed.
- 6
Retest after installing treatment to confirm it is working as certified. Replace filter media on the manufacturer's schedule — an exhausted filter may not perform as rated.
Treatment Options for Arsenic
Boiling does not remove arsenic — it concentrates it. Standard activated carbon filters (Brita, etc.) do not effectively remove arsenic. Certified treatment is required.
NSF/ANSI Standard 58 — Reverse Osmosis
RO systems certified to NSF/ANSI 58 remove 85–95% of arsenic. Under-sink installation. Most effective for removing multiple contaminants simultaneously. Replace membranes and pre-filters on schedule.
Activated Alumina Filters
Activated alumina is specifically designed for arsenic and fluoride removal. Point-of-use or whole-house options available. Must be certified by NSF International or WQA for arsenic reduction. Requires periodic media regeneration or replacement.
Iron/Manganese Oxidation Filters
Effective for arsenic in iron-rich well water, which is common in the Midwest and New England. Oxidation converts dissolved iron and arsenic to a form that can be filtered out. Best when arsenic is co-occurring with high iron levels.
What does NOT work for arsenic
Standard activated carbon filters (Brita, refrigerator filters, most pitcher filters) do NOT effectively remove arsenic. Boiling concentrates arsenic. Water softeners do not remove arsenic. Only use products with NSF certification specifically for arsenic reduction.
Take Action Now
If you use a private well in Alaska, test for arsenic — especially if you are in a region with granite, volcanic, or sedimentary geology. A basic arsenic test costs $15–$40 at a state-certified lab.
Public water users: check your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for arsenic results. The EPA MCL is 10 ppb — any detection warrants attention.
If arsenic is detected above 10 ppb (or even below it, given MCLG is zero), install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system for drinking and cooking water.
Standard carbon filters do NOT remove arsenic — do not rely on a Brita or refrigerator filter for arsenic protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
Arsenic — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with arsenic records
Alaska State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Alaska Well Water Guide
Testing, risks & certified labs for private wells
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 85–95% of arsenic
Best Arsenic Filter Guide
What actually works (carbon doesn't)
PFAS in Drinking Water
The 'forever chemical' contamination overview
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
Find Your Utility
State Regulator
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation ↗