TapSafetyReport
C58/100

Haines Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 2,376 residents · Alaska

What's In Haines's Tap Water?

1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
< 0.001 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

14

Violations (last 5yr)

3

Unresolved

3

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Treatment technique violation

When: October 17, 2024 – January 24, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: November 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: November 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021 – August 24, 2021Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

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

HAINES BOROUGH
Population Served

2,376

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

AK2111566

Frequently Asked Questions About Haines Water

Is Haines tap water safe to drink?

Haines, Alaska tap water receives a grade of C (58/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 27 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Haines's water?

Of the 1 contaminants tested in Haines's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Haines have any water quality violations?

Yes, Haines has 27 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, TT. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Haines?

Haines water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Haines's tap water come from?

Haines's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by HAINES BOROUGH. The system serves approximately 2,376 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Haines'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. Haines'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 Haines's water compare to other cities in Alaska?

Haines's water quality score of 58/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Alaska state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Haines's water quality?

If you have concerns about Haines'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 (HAINES BOROUGH) 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.

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