Community Water Shortage

Observation by Jodee Anderson and Michelle Anderson:

The SEOC (State Emergency Operations Center) received a call from the Chignik Lagoon Village Council (CLVC) reporting a water shortage emergency. CLVC states they have had issues pulling water from the creek since the beginning of June and subsequently have not been able to refill their water storage tank. The community is now on water conservation restrictions and/or boil water notices for water obtained from other water sources. The SEOC reached out to ANTHC, Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation (BBAHC), and the DEC Drinking Water and Village Safe Water Programs. BBAHC is aware of the situation in Chignik Lagoon and have been working with CLVC and their water plant operator address this water situation.

Bryan Reed with Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation writes:

During the summer, the community’s wells typically encounter decreased production capacity so water conservation measures are strongly encouraged. This year, the issue was compounded by several substantial leaks in the system. BBAHC and ANTHC have been assisting the community with this issue for the second year in a row. State of Alaska Dept. of Env. Conservation has been involved as well. As a result of the inadequate water production and several leaks throughout their aged infrastructure, compounded by increased demand due to commercial fishing/summer activities; the community began utilizing surface water from the local creek to increase their production capacity. Boil Water Notice has been in effect since the beginning of July. They have experienced up to 2 feet of water loss from their tank in one day and tank only had a few inches of water in it last week. As a result, the village contacted the State Emergency Operations Center requesting assistance. Multiple agencies continue to assist the community with resolving this issue. This summer’s dry conditions have been a compounding factor. 8-22-19

Ted Smith with the Emergency Preparedness Program at ANTHC writes:

If this current situation worsens, one of the ways that community leadership can get help is with a disaster declaration. I have attached two documents: Alaska Disaster Definitions and Alaska Disaster Declarations & Request for State Assistance. If you are located in an unorganized borough you can go directly to the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, they are ready to help. If you are located in a borough you should contact them first before declaring a disaster. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. 8-22-19