Lead Service Lines in Unalaska
About Unalaska's water system
Unalaska Water System serves approximately 9,400 residents in Unalaska, Alaska. The system draws from surface water sources.
Lead service line inventory status
As of now, Unalaska Water System has not completed a public inventory of lead service lines in the community. This means the utility has not yet identified and documented which homes are connected to the water main through lead pipes—or confirmed that homes use safer alternatives.
This is not unusual. Many smaller water systems across the US are still in the early stages of lead line mapping. However, it's an important step: once a utility knows where lead service lines exist, it can prioritize replacement, communicate risks to residents, and plan for funding.
What you should do
Even without a full inventory, lead can still reach your home's water if your service line (the pipe running from the street to your house) is made of lead. You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in water.
The most reliable way to know your risk:
- Contact Unalaska Water System directly and ask whether your property's service line is lead, galvanized steel (which can contain lead), or copper/PVC.
- If the utility doesn't have records for your address, you can also hire a plumber to inspect the line at your property.
To reduce exposure right now:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has been sitting in pipes for several hours.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water can dissolve more lead from pipes.
- If you're pregnant, nursing, or have young children, contact your pediatrician or Alaska's Department of Health about water testing.
Next steps for residents
- Call Unalaska Water System and ask the status of your property's service line (request your specific address).
- Ask about upcoming inventory work — find out if and when the utility plans to map lead service lines citywide.
- Get your water tested if you're concerned about lead, especially if you have children under 6 or are pregnant.
- Learn more from the EPA's lead in water guide and the CDC's lead exposure page.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Unalaska have lead in its water?
Unalaska Water System has not yet completed a public inventory of lead service lines, so the full extent of lead pipes in the system is unknown. Lead can be present in individual service lines even if the main water supply is safe. Contact your utility or a plumber to check your specific home.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Call Unalaska Water System with your address and ask about your service line material. If they don't have records, hire a licensed plumber to inspect the line at your property, or you can test your water to see if lead is present.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Unalaska?
The main water supply is treated; however, if your home's service line is lead, some lead can dissolve into your water. Run cold water before drinking, use cold water for cooking, and consider testing if you have young children or are pregnant.
When will Unalaska replace lead service lines?
Unalaska Water System has not published a lead service line replacement plan yet. Contact the utility directly to ask about their timeline and funding plans for replacing lead lines.