Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative Advisory Committee meeting focuses on utility sustainability
May 21, 2018
As community water utility systems have aged and climate change challenges have become apparent, the focus on utility sustainability and maintenance operations is an important Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative (ARUC) function.
The ARUC Advisory Committee, composed of representatives from ARUC member communities, recently met in Anchorage to discuss sustainable water and sewer system operations, finances and collaborate with community and regional representatives.
Arctic boxes (pictured below), which contain water service line connections to homes, were a focal point of the meeting. These boxes are a part of the system most prone to freezing in the winter if not regularly inspected and maintained to protect against the elements. The advisory committee recommended changing the responsibility of maintaining arctic boxes from customers to the utility owners, meaning that water plant operators, instead of customers, will service and insulate arctic boxes.
Water plant operators are essential to prolonging the life of each system and protecting public investment while providing a more affordable, clean, and reliable water and wastewater system. Recognizing the important role that water plant operators play in public utilities, the ARUC Advisory Committee increased base pay for all water plant operators. ARUC provides additional support to plant operators through access to adequate pay, training opportunities and increased technical support within the ARUC program.
The ARUC Advisory Committee also received information about water and sewer projects either completed in 2017 or planned for their communities through ANTHC and partner organizations. These projects will increase access to in-home water for more Alaska Native people while lowering monthly rates.
ARUC is an ANTHC program created to assist and empower its 27 member communities to manage, operate and maintain water/sewer systems in rural Alaska. For more information about ARUC, visit https://www.anthc.org/aruc.