Lead supply piping was generally phased out in the 1950s, so very little in Alaska.  However, lead-based solder was commonly used.  AWWU adds chemicals to the water supply to reduce lead leaching from solder and reduce the effects.  In other areas of Alaska there are heath issues with lead, arsenic, and mercury in the drinking water.  The problem with chronic metals poisoning is that the effects are diffuse.  Long-term exposure to low levels of lead, particularly for children, leads to lower intelligence (e.g., higher unemployment), increased violent behavior (e.g., higher crime rates), and poor social skills (i.e., some ADN comments).  You generally can't point to a specific violent idiot and say "that's what drinking lead-laced water as a child will do to you".  We know all this because of EPA research, which then translates into health regulations.  "Free" people survived in Alaska prior to the EPA, but with shorter lifespans and more violence and illness.