Fairbanks
Is Fairbanks tap water safe to drink?
Use extra caution — Fairbanks scores 16/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 8 local systems in Fairbanks. We found 2152 total violations (738 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 10:15 AM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Fairbanks.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Fairbanks?
Expert Advice
Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.
Buying a Filter?
Filter requirements and certified reduction benchmarks for Fairbanks tap water.
Baby Formula Safety
Infant formula preparation risks, nitrate levels, and lead pipe guidance in Fairbanks.
Homebuyer's Perspective
Evaluating water infrastructure in Fairbanks protects plumbing and helps estimate water heater longevity. With a score of 16/100, we recommend budgeting for high-quality point-of-entry filtration systems to protect your home's value.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Copper (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.
View Health Risk Glossary →Compliance Record for Fairbanks
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Fairbanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fairbanks tap water safe to drink?
Use extra caution — Fairbanks scores 16/100.
How many water systems serve Fairbanks?
Fairbanks is served by 8 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in Fairbanks?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Fairbanks.
What is the water quality score for Fairbanks?
The water quality score for Fairbanks is 16 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 8 systems serving the city.
What are the top contaminants in Fairbanks?
The top contaminants detected in Fairbanks include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Fairbanks Water Quality Summary
Fairbanks, AK receives a water quality score of 16/100 (Grade F) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 8 public water systems serving the area.
Fairbanks's water quality score is below the national average, indicating a history of EPA violations or elevated contaminant levels. Residents are encouraged to check their specific water system report and consider additional filtration.
Fairbanks's score of 16 is 8 points above the Alaska state average of 8, and below the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
For residents and prospective homebuyers in Fairbanks, Alaska, securing safe drinking water is a complex endeavor shaped by the mid-size city's remote location, extreme climate, and limited centralized infrastructure. The local water supply is divided among several distinct systems, which collectively have received a failing evaluation for safety. Operating in an area with limited centralized infrastructure and extreme weather conditions complicates consistent water treatment, making close oversight of household tap water essential for anyone moving to or living in this remote community.
Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our Alaska water quality rankings report →
Key Contaminants
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Water Systems Serving Fairbanks (8)
Valley Water Company
FUniversity Of Alaska - Fairbanks
FH2O 2U, Dba The Fill
BCollege Utilities Corporation
DGolden Heart Utilities
FFt. Greely - Main Post
FDoyon Utilities Jber - Richardson
FFt Wainwright - Main Post
FCheck Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Fairbanks.
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Quick compare in Alaska
Compare Fairbanks water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality