The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health created a program that requires public water systems (PWS) to comply with state drinking water regulations. These regulations, along with water testing, ensure that public water wells and community water systems conform to the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act to provide safe water for residents. Here is more information about how this will affect the State of Alaska.

What You Need To Know About Alaska’s Drinking Water Program

What Regulations Do

Drinking water regulations create standards of quality to protect public water systems from a wide variety of contaminants that contribute to illnesses and health conditions. They include parasitic protozoans, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals like copper and lead, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like gasoline, and synthetic contaminants such as pesticides and herbicides.

Who They Affect

The department’s Drinking Water Program protects three types of public water systems that supply residents. This includes community water systems that serve at least 25 people year round or have 15 residential system connections or more.

Non-Transient Non-Community Water Systems (NTNCWS), such as those in schools, factories, offices, and hospitals that have their own supply, are also expected to comply. Transient Non-Community Water Systems (TNCWS), which can be found in some gas stations or camps where people don’t remain for a prolonged period, have to comply to regulations if they serve at least 25 individuals daily for 60 days per year or more.

The Role of Chemical Inspections & Water Treatments

The program requires public water system managers to continually inspect the drinking water they provide for chemicals, bacteria, and other contaminants. Officials respond to contaminant reports, review pollutant results from suppliers, and approve new public water systems and adjustments to current ones. To fix a water quality issue, they might implement a water treatment system to extract pollutants and provide additional benefits, such as softening the hard water that can clog public pipes.

To test the quality of your water system or get a public or private water well serviced, call Anchorage Well & Pump Service, Inc. in Anchorage, AK. Established in 1977, they provide 24/7 services to help protect community water systems, including hydrofracking, chlorination, leak detection, and more. Learn more about their products and services online, find tips and the latest community water system information on Facebook, or call (907) 243-0740 to schedule an inspection.