Water Quality in Fairbanks, AK

Fairbanks's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 17 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Golden Heart Utilities · Source: Chena River wells · Serves 32,325 residents

17
Hardness (PPM)
30
TDS (PPM)
0.6
Chlorine (mg/L)
2
PFAS (ppt)
2
Lead (ppb)
17 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 17 PPM TDS 30 PPM PFAS 2 ppt Lead 2 ppb Chlorine 0.6 mg/L Nitrate 1 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Fairbanks Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Generally good quality

Fairbanks draws from deep wells near the Chena River. Water is naturally very soft due to glacial geology, though iron and manganese can be seasonal concerns.

What Fairbanks's Water Means for Your Home

Fairbanks's water is slightly hard at 17 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Fairbanks, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Fairbanks's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.6 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)17 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids30 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)2 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead2 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.6 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate1 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

About Fairbanks's Water Supply

Water Utility: Golden Heart Utilities

Water Source: Chena River wells

Population Served: 32,325

Hardness: 17 PPM (1 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Golden Heart Utilities. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Fairbanks to Other Alaska Cities

Anchorage

35 PPM · Slightly Hard

Juneau

16 PPM · Soft

Frequently Asked Questions About Fairbanks Water

Is Fairbanks tap water safe to drink?
Fairbanks's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Fairbanks?
No. At 17 PPM, Fairbanks's water is very soft. A water softener would provide no benefit here. Focus on filtration if you have specific contaminant concerns.
What water filter is best for Fairbanks?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Fairbanks's water come from?
Fairbanks's drinking water is sourced from Chena River wells and treated by Golden Heart Utilities. Fairbanks draws from deep wells near the Chena River. Water is naturally very soft due to glacial geology, though iron and manganese can be seasonal concerns.
What is the hardness of Fairbanks water in grains per gallon?
Fairbanks's water hardness is 1 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 17 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Fairbanks water damage tankless water heaters?
At 1 GPG, Fairbanks's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Fairbanks water safe for babies and infants?
Fairbanks's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Golden Heart Utilities Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.