KAKTOVIK WATER RESPONSE
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Kaktovik water incident, current water use guidance, health concerns, testing and the ongoing response.
According to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, on August 16 a water plant operator used a mislabeled chemical container while preparing a disinfectant solution. The South Tank was isolated and taken offline, and the North Tank was believed to be unaffected.
Laboratory results received September 5 later detected ethylene glycol at 26 mg/L in the distribution system. A Do Not Drink order was issued while additional testing, investigation and response activities continue.
No. Continue using bottled or emergency-supplied drinking water until the Do Not Drink order is formally lifted.
Safe drinking water is available for pickup at the Kaktovik Water Treatment Plant.
No. Boiling does not remove ethylene glycol and will not make the water safe to drink.
No. Do not use the community water for cooking or food preparation, making beverages or ice, or brushing teeth. Use bottled or emergency-supplied water instead.
Yes. Consistent with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and Alaska Department of Health guidance, the water may continue to be used for showering, washing dishes and washing clothes.
Residents with health concerns or who believe they or a family member may have been exposed may visit the Kaktovik Medical Clinic. North Slope Borough health staff and Arctic Slope Native Association medical staff are available to provide evaluations and answer health-related questions.
Laboratory results received September 5 detected ethylene glycol at 26 mg/L in the distribution system, substantially higher than initially estimated.
The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and Alaska Department of Health advised that the detected concentration is not a known acute health risk for adults. However, it exceeds drinking water health guidance. The Do Not Drink order remains in effect while additional testing, evaluation and response activities continue.
The initial assessment was based on the reported amount of chemical involved, the isolation of the South Tank and the understanding that the North Tank was unaffected.
Based on the information available at the time, the estimated concentration was approximately 0.024 mg/L. Laboratory results received September 5 later detected 26 mg/L in the distribution system, and a Do Not Drink order was issued.
The coordinated response is focused on providing safe drinking water, evaluating stored water within the system, investigating how ethylene glycol entered the water system and addressing community health concerns.
The North Slope Borough has established an Incident Command, and a Joint Information Center has been activated to coordinate public information among the organizations involved in the response.
The Joint Information Center is serving as the central point of contact for information related to the Kaktovik water incident and response. It will provide updates as new, verified information becomes available and notify residents of changes to current water-use guidance.
The Do Not Drink order will remain in effect while testing, evaluation and response activities continue. Residents should continue using bottled or emergency-supplied water for drinking and food preparation until officials announce that the order has been lifted.
INFORMATION HUB
Kaktovik Water Response Information
01
Incident Overview
What happened, what testing has found and how the Borough and its partners are responding.
01
Incident Overview
What happened, what testing has found and how the Borough and its partners are responding.
02
Water Treatment
Learn how Kaktovik’s community water moves through the treatment and distribution process.
03
Updates
Find the latest official notices and previous updates regarding the Kaktovik water response.
04
Partner Info
Notices, reports and resources from agencies and organizations involved in the response.
05
FAQ
Answers about drinking water, household water use, health concerns, and the ongoing response.