Water Quality: Galena, AK
2 water systems • 780 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Galena is served by 2 public water systems with a combined service population of 780 people, and has 168 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 80 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Galena's violation count is 64% below the national average for Alaska. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine Dioxide, Disinfection Byproducts, Gross Alpha, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants Found
Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms
EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Alpha-emitting radioactive particles increase cancer risk, particularly from bone and other internal cancers.
Common source: Natural uranium and radium in geological formations
EPA limit: 15 pCi/L (excluding radon and uranium)
Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter in water
EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Galena
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GALENA WTP1 - CITY | AK2360272 | Groundwater | 490 | 120 |
| GALENA WTP2 - GILA | AK2360159 | Groundwater | 290 | 48 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Alaska
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.