Talkeetna’s Drinking Water Source Protection Plan is complete and outlines how the town will protect its two existing wells. The public water wells supply about 200 connections, with about half serving residential customers.
The plan notes that the wells vary in water levels from 15 to 60 feet below the surface. Talkeetna and Susitna rivers contribute to the supply in both wells and the aquifer is high-yielding, according to the Plan.
Improperly decommissioned private wells near Talkeetna’s sources are one concern since the Borough has no control over how they are maintained. These shallow wells are potential sources of contamination to the shared aquifer, or water source.
Three fuel-contaminated sites are located near the source wells, a residential diesel spill, a gasoline spill, and remnants of leaded fuel containers. None are considered problematic. Other contamination sites are also identified in the vicinity of the wells.
The Plan identifies many priorities, including homeowner education and outreach, as well as regular monitoring and maintenance.
In case of emergency, the Plan also outlines the need to identify alternative sources of water, including water storage and sources outside the community.
Trapper Creek and Talkeetna have also released their annual consumer confidence reports. Trapper Creek’s water supply is noted as not having completed a source water protection plan, though it is advised by the Drinking Water Source Protection group, or DWSP. Of all the contaminants tested in Trapper Creek’s water point, levels were well below the violation thresholds or requiring action.
Though arsenic and other contaminants are noted in Talkeetna’s water confidence report, they also are well below the thresholds. Talkeetna’s water also contains disinfection byproducts contained in many public water supplies. All measured well below thresholds.
Talkeetna’s report also contains helpful tips for homeowners to conserve water, such as changing to low-flow fixtures and fixing leaky appliances.
Trapper Creek Community Services Association has posted their consumer confidence report on Facebook. The Talkeetna reports will be available on the Borough website soon.
