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Oral

Water Distribution System Analysis (Planning & Management)

Exploring Drinking Water Preferences of Hauled Distribution System (HDS) Users in Rural Alaska

Tuesday, May 20, 2025
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM Alaska Daylight Time (AKDT)
Room: Room 3

    Author (not presenting)(s)

  • Tommy Wan

    The University of Texas at Austin, United States

  • Iris Bradbury

    The University of Texas at Austin, United States

  • Michaela L. LaPatin

    Graduate Research Assistant
    University of Texas at Austin, Texas, United States

  • Meredith Brown

    The University of Texas at Austin, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Ana Lacau

    University of Texas at Austin, United States

    • Co-Author (not attending)(s)

  • Lynn E. Katz

    The University of Texas at Austin, United States

  • Leif Albertson

    University of Alaska Fairbanks, United States

    • Author(s)

  • Kasey Faust

    University of Texas at Austin, United States

Abstract Submission: The provision of water services via a hauled distribution system (HDS)—i.e., water delivered to a tank in each household by truck or all-terrain vehicle—is common for many rural Alaska residents. While HDS provide a critical service where piped networks are not feasible or available, they can pose unique challenges around the perceived safety and reliability of drinking water by HDS users. These users must consider the limited water volume available between deliveries, or delayed or missed deliveries due to inclement weather or workforce shortages. There are also potential contamination points at hose and tank connections, or concerns regarding the length of time water is in a tank prior to consumption. As such, HDS users seek alternative drinking water sources or install point-of-use (POU) filtration systems in their homes, leading to additional labor and financial burdens. Here, we analyze 30 interviews with HDS users to identify their reasons for choosing different drinking water sources (e.g., $10 per gallon store-bought water, POU filters). Preliminary results indicate that most participants prefer to drink POU filtered tap water or store-bought water due to aesthetic properties (i.e., taste, color, smell) or the perceived health impacts of drinking unfiltered tap water. The results suggest that most participants do not distinguish between perceived negative aesthetic properties and safety of drinking water. Based on these findings, we recommend further research into the labor and financial burdens placed on HDS users to alleviate inequities in rural Alaska communities.

Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) :