Where You Live

Alaska (Region 10)

Contacts for Alaska

Contact Category:
Source Water Protection Program
Sole Source Aquifer Program

Source Water Protection Program

• Chris Miller
  Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health, Drinking Water Protection Program
  555 Cordova St
  Anchorage, Alaska 99501
  Phone: 907-269-7549  
  Email: chris_miller@dec.state.ak.us
  

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Links for Alaska

• Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation: Drinking Water Program - Provides source water program info and links to assessments.

   State Drinking Water Protection Web Sites

• Alaska: State and Local Drinking Water Information - Provides information about state drinking water offices, local drinking water suppliers, and trends among drinking water systems.

   Publications by Other Organizations

• Protecting Our Water: A Primer for Preventing Pathogenic Contamination of Drinking Water Sources - The purpose of this primer , from the Ground Water Foundation, is to provide information on common waterborne pathogens, their sources, how they contaminate water, and how to prevent pathogenic contamination of drinking water sources. Individual community case studies are included to showcase strategies for protecting sources of drinking water and lessons learned.

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Case Studies for Alaska

Title: Alaska: Eek, Yukon Kuskokwim, Shishmaref, Seward Peninsula, and Tanana Villages

Subtitle: Outreach Options in Rural Alaska Native Villages

Case Study Type: Assessment and Protection

Description: In remote parts of Alaska, native villagers continue to choose traditional water supplies-snow melt, roof catchments, surface waters and natural springs over available treated supplies. To assess and communicate the health impacts of traditional water use, a steering committee of local community and tribal members as well as university and government professionals, developed a statewide survey of water sources and distribution sites. The steering committee used traditional communication methods, including dances and skits at popular potluck celebrations in three pilot communities. Similarly, the committee combined videos and traditional storytelling to share test results at operator workshops throughout Alaska. Next steps include recommendations for improved access and water use options for families and continued research on treatment alternatives that meet local needs.