Public water supplies, like those in Talkeetna, the Trapper Creek Water Point, and at local schools, all must regularly test their water and provide that information to the public. The recently released Consumer Confidence Reports for Trapper Creek and Talkeetna’s public supplies in the Upper Valley show good water quality.
Mat-Su Borough Utilities and Facilities Supervisor for Talkeetna Amanda Fleming says the report provides a year of information to residents.
“So the Consumer Confidence Report is an annual report. It gives a snapshot of a public water system’s previous calendar year of water quality information.”
Fleming says the Alaska Drinking Water Watch website also provides access to the data for each public water source, but residents may also reach out directly to get their reports if they choose. Fleming handles reporting for both Talkeetna and Trapper Creek’s water sources.
Each water source, depending on certain factors, will be required to monitor for the presence of certain things like arsenic or copper and may be on different sampling timelines.
“So Talkeetna’s water system, our wells currently exceed the EPA’s maximum contaminant level for arsenic. So I most recently tested our wells for arsenic in 2022 and our well water is at 15 parts per billion. And the EPA’s maximum contaminant level is at 10 parts per billion. So we have treatment in place to reduce the arsenic level down below that maximum contaminant level set by the EPA. So on average ours annually is about 2.5 to 3 parts per billion after treatment.”
Fleming says there have been five years of water quality sampling for the Trapper Creek Water Point and arsenic was not detected in 2021 and was less than one part per billion in 2023. She says there is no indication that arsenic is an issue at the Trapper Creek site so the timeframe for sampling may be extended.
Both sites test each month for coliform bacteria. Talkeetna adds chlorine to its water because the system is larger. Fleming says the Trapper Creek system only receives filtration.
The water data only applies to residents who are on the Talkeetna public water system or get water from the Trapper Creek Water Point. Fleming recommends getting private wells tested for contaminants and to find a company that might be able to provide guidance for treatment, if needed. In addition, Fleming says to test wells after earthquakes as the ground might have shifted.
Arsenic is a common contaminant in Alaskan water and toxicity is often from long-term exposure. And Fleming says wells located near each other may be different in their arsenic levels. In addition, arsenic levels may shift as more wells are drilled in an area. She recommends regular testing to keep track of contaminant levels.
Talkeetna’s Consumer Confidence Report can be found on the Mat-Su Borough’s website or by contacting talkeentasewerandwater@matsugov.us. Residents in the Trapper Creek area can request a copy of their report by emailing tcwaterpoint@gmail.com
