F14/100
Fairbanks Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 157,116 residents · Alaska
What's In Fairbanks's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 420.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2013.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
DOYON UTILITIES JBER - RICHARDSON
Population Served
20,284
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
AK2212039
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA - FAIRBANKS
Population Served
6,200
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
AK2310683
GOLDEN HEART UTILITIES
Population Served
78,324
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AK2310730
COLLEGE UTILITIES CORPORATION
Population Served
27,000
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
AK2310900
FT WAINWRIGHT - MAIN POST
Population Served
20,076
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AK2310918
VALLEY WATER COMPANY
Population Served
1,575
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AK2310926
FT. GREELY - MAIN POST
Population Served
1,257
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
AK2370780
H2O 2U, DBA THE FILL
Population Served
2,400
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
AK2314653
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairbanks Water
Is Fairbanks tap water safe to drink?
Fairbanks, Alaska tap water receives a grade of F (14/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 1287 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Fairbanks's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Fairbanks's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), manganese, chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Fairbanks have any water quality violations?
Yes, Fairbanks has 1287 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, TT, RPT. 40 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Fairbanks?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Fairbanks is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Fairbanks's tap water come from?
Fairbanks's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by DOYON UTILITIES JBER - RICHARDSON and 7 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 157,116 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Fairbanks's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Fairbanks's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Fairbanks's water compare to other cities in Alaska?
Fairbanks's water quality score of 14/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Alaska state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Fairbanks's water quality?
If you have concerns about Fairbanks's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (DOYON UTILITIES JBER - RICHARDSON) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.