What contaminants are in Anchorage's water?

Anchorage's water utility tests for 519 different contaminants. Currently, 9 contaminants are above EPA MCLGs. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including test results, health effects, and comparisons to EPA MCLGs in the sections above.

Do I need a water filter in Anchorage?

Yes, we recommend using a water filter in Anchorage. With 9 contaminants above EPA MCLGs, a certified water filter can reduce your exposure to these substances. Look for filters certified for NSF-53 (health effects) or NSF-58 (reverse osmosis) that specifically remove the contaminants found in your water.

What are the MCL violations in Anchorage?

MOA MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE has reported 2 Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations in recent years. MCL violations occur when contaminant levels exceed federal legal limits. While utilities work to resolve these violations, we recommend using a certified water filter during this time for added protection.

What are the main contaminants in Anchorage tap water?

The main contaminants of concern in Anchorage's tap water include Arsenic, Lead. These substances were found above EPA health-based guidelines. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including health effects and recommended filters, in the contaminants section above.

Can you drink tap water in Anchorage?

While you can technically drink tap water in Anchorage as it meets legal requirements, 9 contaminants are above EPA health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter for optimal protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

How often is Anchorage's water tested?

MOA MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE is required by federal law to test water quality regularly. The frequency depends on the contaminant - some are tested daily (like bacteria), while others are tested monthly, quarterly, or annually. The test results shown on this page are from the most recent testing period reported to the EPA.

Where does Anchorage's tap water come from?

Anchorage's drinking water comes from surface water. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which require more extensive treatment to remove sediments and potential contaminants. The utility treats this water using conventional before distribution.

What is the overall water quality in Anchorage?

Anchorage has 9 contaminants above EPA health guidelines (MCLGs) out of 519+ tested. While meeting federal legal limits (MCLs), the presence of contaminants above health-based guidelines suggests that using a certified water filter could provide additional protection, especially for sensitive populations.

Does Anchorage have hard or soft water?

Water hardness information is not currently available for Anchorage. You can contact MOA MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE at 907-751-2212 for specific hardness data. Generally, water hardness varies by source - groundwater tends to be harder (more minerals) while surface water is often softer. Signs of hard water include white deposits on fixtures, soap scum, and difficulty lathering soap.

What are the most common contaminants detected in Anchorage water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Anchorage water include: Arsenic, Lead, Calcium, Alkalinity (as CaCO3), Chloride. Of these, 9 exceed EPA health guidelines. These contaminants are regularly monitored by MOA MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE and reported to the EPA. View the detailed contaminant section above for specific levels and health information.

Anchorage Tap Water Quality Report

Anchorage's water has 9 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.

Utilities

18 Utilities

People Served

254,452

MCL Violations

Last Updated

2025-03-22

Is Anchorage Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Anchorage's water has 9 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Anchorage's water.

The data below shows test results from 18 water utilities serving 254,452 people in the Anchorage area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2025-03-22.

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Anchorage Water Service Areas

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Recommended Water Filters for Anchorage

Based on Anchorage's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.

Our Pick

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST OVERALL PERFORMANCE

AquaTru

Classic

449

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-58

NSF-401

NSF-P473

NSF-372

Flow Rate

0.04 gpm

Daily Production

600 gpd

Removes 23 contaminants:

83+, Lead, Fluoride, Strontium, Uranium +18 more

View Details

Highly Rated

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST EFFICIENCY

AquaTru

Carafe

349

NSF Certified:

NSF-53

NSF-42

NSF-58

NSF-401

NSF-372

NSF-P473

Flow Rate

0.3 gpm

Daily Production

4 gpd

Removes 17 contaminants:

PFOA, PFOS, Chlorine, Lead, Fluoride +12 more

View Details

Best Value

Waterdrop

G3 P600

(135 reviews)

109.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Flow Rate

600 gpm

Daily Production

600 gpd

Removes 4 contaminants:

Lead, Fluoride, Arsenic, Total Dissolved Solids

View Details

Highly Rated

BEST BEST TANKLESS RO FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR SMALL SPACES

Waterdrop

G3 P800

999

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-58

NSF-372

Flow Rate

800 gpm

Daily Production

800 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

10+ contaminants, Fluoride, Lead, Arsenic, 1,000+ +10 more

View Details

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

With 9 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.

RECOMMENDED

SimpleLab

Advanced Home Water Test

$369

Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.

(19 reviews)

7-10 days

300+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 300+ parameters

Most thorough analysis available

EPA-certified laboratory

Order Test Kit

SimpleLab

Standard Home Water Test

$232

Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.

(209 reviews)

7-10 days

200+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 200+ contaminants

EPA-certified laboratory

Easy mail-in sample collection

Order Test Kit

Tap Score

Advanced Microplastics Test

$636

Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.

(30 reviews)

10-14 days

1+ tested

Advanced detection technology

Comprehensive particle analysis

Emerging contaminant testing

Order Test Kit

EPA-Certified Labs

7-10 Day Results

Easy Mail-In Collection

Browse All Test Kits

Frequently Asked Questions About Anchorage Tap Water

Anchorage's water has 9 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Anchorage's water.

Anchorage Tap Water Quality Report

Is Anchorage Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Anchorage Water Service Areas

Recommended Water Filters for Anchorage

Classic

Carafe

G3 P600

G3 P800

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

Advanced Home Water Test

Standard Home Water Test

Advanced Microplastics Test

Frequently Asked Questions About Anchorage Tap Water

Is Anchorage tap water safe to drink?

What contaminants are in Anchorage's water?

Do I need a water filter in Anchorage?

What are the MCL violations in Anchorage?

What are the main contaminants in Anchorage tap water?

Can you drink tap water in Anchorage?

How often is Anchorage's water tested?

Where does Anchorage's tap water come from?

What is the overall water quality in Anchorage?

Does Anchorage have hard or soft water?

What are the most common contaminants detected in Anchorage water?

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality