Improved Operations Through Data Utilization in Remote Alaskan Water Systems

Abstract Submission: Monitoring key processes in water distribution systems has long been recognized as a valuable resource for managing drinking water systems. Alaskan Native communities face unique circumstances and complexities that challenge managing water supply systems in Alaska, such as remoteness, extreme climate conditions, and a limited workforce. To support these communities, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) has invested in a remote monitoring program that provides online sensor measurements of key processes in community water distribution systems. However, this data is largely untapped and underutilized. One significant barrier to leveraging the data is the need for technical expertise and sufficient workforce capacity to maintain sensors, as well as to analyze and process the data adequately in order to generate actionable insights that inform decision-making. Here, we explore the linkages of integrated water management and water supply in remote Alaskan communities when considering the holistic key features related to unique water supply infrastructure and water governance. The objective of this study is to generate actionable insights and information to guide decisions regarding water system management. Using ANTHC’s data, we evaluate a set of performance metrics to assess the performance of one community’s water system and develop a system model that identifies key deviations in operations, such as unmeasured discharges and changes in pressure. By employing simplified models that make data-driven decisions more accessible and practical for those on the ground, this study presents a practical decision-making approach that leverages the available data to facilitate the management of water distribution systems in remote Alaskan communities.

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