Nitrite in Alaska Drinking Water
Alaska has 3,661 public water systems. 3122 have recorded nitrite violations.
Total Systems
3,661
With Violations
3,122
EPA MCL
1
Population Served
855K
Nitrite in Alaska: Key Facts
Total Water Systems
3,661
Systems with Violations
3,122
Lead Violations
47
Copper Violations
250
EPA Standard
1 mg/L as N
MCLG (goal): 1 mg/L
Water Systems with Violations in Alaska
| System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| AKHIOK | 90 | 3426 |
| DIOMEDE JOINT UTILITIES | 83 | 3125 |
| TUNUNAK WATER SYSTEM | 20 | 2745 |
| NEWTOK WATER SYSTEM | 435 | 2739 |
| NATIVE VILLAGE OF SLEETMUTE | 82 | 2494 |
| ALAKANUK WATER SYSTEM | 570 | 2344 |
| BEAR CREEK RV PARK | 19 | 2204 |
| GRAYLING WATER SYSTEM | 207 | 2201 |
Health Effects of Nitrite Exposure
Blue baby syndrome
Can block oxygen in blood of infants under 6 months
Methemoglobinemia
Converts hemoglobin, reducing blood oxygen-carrying capacity
Infants below 6 months can develop methemoglobinemia ('blue baby syndrome'). Combined nitrate+nitrite limit is 10 mg/L.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there nitrite in Alaska water?
Alaska has 3,661 public water systems. 3122 have recorded nitrite violations based on EPA SDWIS data. If you are on a private well, your water is not covered by these regulations and should be tested independently.
How can I check my Alaska water for nitrite?
Search for your water system using the WaterCheck system lookup, or contact your utility and request a copy of your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The CCR is published annually and lists all detected contaminants, their levels, and the EPA MCLs. For private wells, contact a state-certified lab for independent testing.
What is the EPA limit for nitrite?
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for nitrite is 1 mg/L as N. Systems that exceed MCLs are required to notify customers and take corrective action.
Nitrite at a Glance
Source
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks and sewage; erosion of natural deposits
How to Filter Nitrite
- +Reverse osmosis removes nitrite
- +Ion exchange systems can remove nitrite
- +Do not give water with elevated nitrite to infants