Effects and Adaptation with Water Service Disruptions in Served Alaska Native Communities

In arctic and subarctic regions, water infrastructure constructed on permafrost face the risk of structural failures due to an increase in freeze–thaw cycles and changes to the soil’s foundation. Water service disruption has become a common occurrence in remote Alaska regions. Such disruption leads to water quality issues that can result in adverse health, social, and cultural consequences among Alaska Native Communities (ANCs). Although communities often adapt in a variety of ways to environmental changes, it is not known how Alaska Native Communities (ANC) are adapting to the water service disruptions. This study addresses this gap using semi-structured interviews with 53 residents in one community in the Norton Sound Area of Alaska. Narrative analysis revealed that frequent water service disruptions had harmed the community in diverse ways. The communities are responding to the water service disruption problem by using readily accessible, low-cost strategies, such as hauling water from nearby available natural sources, and boiling and filtering water for drinking. This study provides insight into the community’s response to water service disruptions and helps authorities in short- and long-term planning to prevent water service disruption and in creating a safe and reliable water supply for the community in the region.