Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health, Drinking Water Program requires Public Water Systems (PWS) be in compliance with the state drinking water regulations, in accordance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and Amendments, for the public health protection of the residents and visitors to the State of Alaska.

1. What is a Public Water System?
   A Public Water System (PWS) supplies water to consumers and is NOT a private water system. There are different categories of PWS that supply water to consumers. Each category of systems have their own set of requirements they must meet.

   Class A public water system

   • expects to serve, year round, at least 25 individuals
   • is expected to serve, year round, at least 15 residential service connections or
   • regularly serves the same 25 or more individuals for at least 6 months of the year.

   Class B public water system

   • is not a Class A PWS and
   • regularly serves at least 25 individuals each day for at least 60 days of the year

   Class C public water system

   • Is not a Class A or B system and is not a private well or a duplex.
     
2. What do the drinking water regulations do?
   The drinking water regulations set the standards for safe drinking water, and they identify the regulated drinking water contaminants and the level of those contaminants allowed in the water. These contaminants could be harmful for those who drink the water, especially the elderly, children, or individuals with developing or compromised immune systems or that have immune deficiencies.
   
   What types of contaminants do we regulate?
• Bacteria, Viruses (from septic systems, etc) and parasitic protozoans
• Lead and Copper
• Nitrate and Nitrite (commonly from septic systems and manure piles)
• Heavy Metals like Arsenic and Cadmium
• Volatile Organic Contaminants (VOC) like Benzene and gasoline
• Synthetic Organic Contaminants (SOC) like pesticides and herbicides
• Other Organic Contaminants (OOC) like Dioxin and PCBs
  
3. How do these contaminants affect us?
   Consuming water containing contaminants above the established Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) set by the regulations over a period of time could cause chronic (long term) or acute (short term) health problems.

Who can you contact at DEC about Drinking Water issues and questions, and where can you find your information?

Anchorage: (907) 269-7656
Fairbanks: (907) 451-2108
Juneau: (907) 465-5350
Soldotna: (907) 262-5210
Wasilla: (907) 376-5038