The vast majority of Alaska's watersheds, while not being monitored, are presumed to be in relatively pristine condition due to Alaska's size, sparse population, and general remoteness. However, Alaska has localized water pollution. Alaska did not report on the condition of wetlands. Ground Water Quality - Not reported in a quantifiable format or unknown.
Ground water is one of Alaska's least understood natural resources.
It is the major source of fresh water for public and private drinking water supply systems, industry, and agricultural development. Although ground water is presumed to be of excellent quality in most areas of the state, specific areas of generally good Ground Water Quality have been degraded by human activities. Ground water impairment has been documented in various areas of the state and has been linked predominantly to aboveground and subsurface petroleum storage facilities, as well as operational and abandoned military installations. Other sources, such as failed septic systems, also contribute to ground water contamination. The purpose of this approach is to cost-effectively improve the water quality of Alaska's polluted waterbodies and to protect its healthy watersheds in cooperation with other agencies, industry, interest groups, and the public.